1896 Morgan Dollar
Guidelines for Collecting:
The 1896 Morgan dollar is one of the most frequently seen Philadelphia Mint issues of its decade. Close to a million Mint State coins in various grades are estimated to exist today. The strike is usually above average on coins made for circulation, and luster ranges from satiny to frosty. The abundance of quality coins presents an opportunity to obtain a Mint State specimen at a reasonable price.
Availability in Circulated Grades:
Always available in AU grade; anything lower than that and specimens tend to disappear during times of high silver prices.
Availability in Mint State Grades:
This is easily one of the most plentiful issues in the Morgan dollar series. Vast bag quantities of the date were available in the 1950s. Gems can be found with little difficulty and Mint State-65 is within the reach of the majority of collectors. A nicely struck piece should present no difficulty.
Availability in Proof:
Delivery of the 762 Proofs of the date occurred quarterly beginning in March and ending in December. If you desire a beautiful Proof Morgan dollar with strong cameo contrast, a crisp strike, and excellent eye appeal for your collection to illustrate the design type then concentrate on this date.
The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in the August 2021 ANA Auction, where it realized $4,560.
1896 Morgan Dollar Auction Highlights
Brilliant Proof Sold for $43,125 View Lot 1606 | NGC PF-67, CAC Sold for $34,500 View Lot 3728 | PCGS PR-67 DCAM Sold for $28,800 View Lot 3207 |