Coins have to be the most under-appreciated form of currency, but do you know some collectors strike gold with them? Believe it or not, some silver dollars are worth a fortune, and here is a list of ten silver-dollar treasures that could make you filthy rich. But remember, a dollar’s value depends on the coin’s condition, numismatic appeal, rarity, and demand.
1794 Flowing Hair Dollar
This silver dollar was the first silver piece minted by the U.S. and today stands as a true treasure. Only about 140 pieces survive; in 2021, one sold for over $4.56 million. Its value today is still above the $3 million mark.
1804 Draped Bust Dollar
The 1804 Draped Bust Dollar, crowned “King of American Coins,” tops every collector’s list. Worth over $8 million, its story combines diplomatic intrigue with mystery, and if you’re lucky enough to have one, you’re sitting on a significant fortune and a piece of numismatic history.
870-S Seated Liberty Dollar
Minted in San Francisco, the 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar is exceptionally rare. Initially, there were 12,400 coins, but today, about 50 remain. An auction in 2017 saw one high-grade 1870-CC Seated sell for $200,000 and in 2021 for $225,000.
1885 Trade Dollar
The American government explicitly made the Trade Dollars for export to Asia, yet some stayed in the U.S. They are unique, with surviving pieces below 50 today. One high-grade coin fetched $388,000 in 2019. In another 2021 auction, another high-grade Trade Dollar fetched $400,000.
1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar
Unlike the other Morgan silver dollars, the 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar was minted in significant numbers (around 5,004,000). For this reason, the high-grade pieces sell between $15 and $30. This price varies based on the coin’s condition and whether it’s in its original packing.
1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar
On the other side of the Morgan silver dollar lies the 1889-CC Morgan Dollar, valued between $100 to over $10,000 per coin. The government authorized the minting of only 350,000 pieces, and in 2022, a high-grade auctioned for $18,000. Its numismatic appeal lies in the Carson City mint mark and limited availability.
1895 Morgan Silver Dollar
Another Morgan coin, the “King of the Morgan Dollars,” is the extremely rare 1895 Morgan Dollar. This one only had 800,000 pieces minted, but most were melted down. Because of this decreased circulation number, a high-grade price ranges from $40,000 to over $100,000. The most recent sale is a 2021 sale at $85,000.
1921 Peace Dollar High Relief
The unique 1921 Peace Dollar was the first of the Peace Dollar series and was minted to mark the end of World War I. Its mintage number was only 1,006,473 pieces, which is higher than most. Still, one’s value stands between $30 and $500, and the most recent auctions sold it at approximately $400.
1795 Draped Bust Dollar
This silver dollar was only minted in 7,776 pieces. However, most of them got lost over time, increasing their rarity and value. One high-grade 1795 Draped Bust Dollar auctions between $20,000 and over $100,000. The price goes up if the coin is in stellar condition, as marked by a 2022 auction that sold one for $120,000.
1803 Draped Bust Dollar
With only 25,000 coins minted, one high-grade value stands between $3,000 and $25,000. A 2022 auction exchanged one for $27,600. The value is raked high due to the high rate of melting and wear, which only has a few remaining in the market. Its age, rarity, and historical context make it highly sought after.
