4 Popular and Least Valuable U.S. Silver Dollar and Dollar Coins

When this article was originally published, readers considering the purchase or sale of dollar coins made by the United States Mint were encouraged to understand their values before making a deal. Learning which coins were considered more popular and which were less valuable could make pricing easier to understand and help support a better transaction.

Review the coins below to see how their popularity and prices compared.

Most Popular U.S. Silver Dollars

Popular coins were described as having two clear benefits. First, many collectors and investors sought them, making them easier to sell. Whether a U.S. silver dollar was a Morgan, Peace, or commemorative issue, strong demand supported an active market, creating more potential buyers and the possibility of higher prices.

Second, a coin with broad popularity was also more likely to be one that its owner would enjoy.

A coin’s value can be shaped by several considerations. Collectors are often attracted to appealing designs, particularly designs in high relief. Larger coins can be preferred as well, along with coins connected to history or carrying historical significance.

Rarity may produce demand too, although a coin that is extremely rare or obscure may not become popular if few people know it exists. Coins with broad popularity are generally the ones recognized and wanted by the public at large.

The following are four U.S. silver dollar coins described as especially popular.

Morgan Silver Dollars

When the Mint made Morgan silver dollars, they initially had little popularity. Their reception was so poor that millions remained unused in vaults or were melted for precious-metal content. Few people spent them, and almost nobody collected them. At the time this article was published, that situation had changed in recent years. Around 1960, Morgan dollars regained popularity as silver prices rose and people exchanged old silver certificates for them. Buyers appreciated their affordability, precious-metal content, and larger size.

When this article was originally published, readers looking to sell Morgan Silver Dollars were reminded that their value did not always rise or fall with silver’s spot price. Since local coin shops differed, the article invited readers to call around and compare prices in their own area.

Peace Silver DollarsAt publication,

The Peace Dollar was struck only for limited periods: from 1921-1928 and again from 1934-1935. Even so, it remained among the more popular U.S. dollar coins. Its limited mintage contributed to that appeal, while its historical importance provided another reason for interest.

The Mint issued these coins as a commemoration of the peace that followed World War I.

The radiant, attractive image of crowned Lady Liberty resonated with people celebrating the war’s end, and the article noted that the image remained just as compelling at publication. Reverse imagery such as the bald eagle holding an olive branch likewise suggested peace and patriotism.

When this article was originally published, readers seeking to sell Peace Silver Dollars were advised that values did not necessarily track the spot price of silver. Because dealers could value these coins differently, the article recommended comparing prices with local dealers.

Modern Commemorative U.S. Silver Dollars

The modern commemorative coin program began in 1982, and its coins were consistently popular with collectors. They shared the specifications of Morgan and Peace dollars and contained .774 troy ounces of silver.

These coins portray historic events that cannot occur again, people who made major impacts on the world, and places valued for distinctive meaning or beauty.

At publication, Mintage totals, and therefore value, differ according to the year and the image. Most earlier issues traded as bullion coins, while later-produced pieces were considered semi-numismatic coins. Whether motivated by nostalgia for important people and places or by a wish to recognize once-in-a-lifetime events, collectors enjoyed adding these silver dollar coins to their collections.

1oz American Silver Eagles

The 1 oz silver eagle coins were described as extremely popular in the United States and internationally. The article stated that the U.S. Mint produced only one official investment-quality silver coin, namely this one. Their substantial silver content gave them value well beyond a one-dollar face value.

In addition, eagles from various years, coins with particular mint marks, or different varieties such as the 1994 proof silver eagle, could command higher prices and tended to appreciate more over time. Collectors also valued this coin for its attractive design.

Least Valuable

Coin values are determined by many factors, with popularity being only one. Supply and demand, precious-metal content, and unfavorable associations may also lower a coin’s value. The U.S. dollar coins that followed were offered as several examples of those worth the least.

Sacagawea Dollar

When the Mint introduced the Sacagawea dollar, many people welcomed its portrayal of a respected Native American woman. The design also showed Sacagawea’s child, Jean Baptiste. Nevertheless, the coins were rarely used in commerce and did not gain popularity. Called the Native American Dollar as well, its subject proved much more popular than the resulting design.

Some observers linked the weak reception to a design they found somewhat unattractive. These “golden coins” also had little melt value because the Native American $1 coin was not gold or silver; it was copper with manganese-brass cladding.

People who encountered one of these coins could initially feel excited because its color made it appear to be a gold dollar coin. The article explained, however, that this impression was mistaken: the coin’s gold-like color came from manganese, a metal incorporated into the coin’s composition.

Presidential Dollars

The Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005 allowed coins honoring each U.S. president who had been deceased at least two years. Like Sacagawea dollars, these coins used a copper core with manganese-brass cladding, leaving little value in their metal content. Their plain designs also did little to increase value. A small number of Presidential Dollars exceeded face value, including pieces with mint errors. For instance, certain early examples lacked the inscriptions “In God We Trust” and “E Pluribus Unum.” Those errors had greater value than an ordinary presidential $1 coin.

Susan B. Anthony

Many women looked forward eagerly to the Susan B. Anthony dollar’s release. At last, a U.S. coin would portray an actual American woman who influenced history. Still, the coin presented several difficulties.

To begin with, its size and metal composition closely resembled those of a quarter. People seldom used these coins except when they mistakenly took them for quarters. Some people accumulated them, while the U.S. government had also reserved a stockpile of 500 million coins before releasing others. As a result, supply was high and demand low. Apart from certain mint errors and varieties, Susan B. Anthony coins were worth only face value.

Eisenhower Dollar Coins

No dollar coins were issued by the U.S. Mint between 1935 and 1970. That changed in 1971, when the Mint introduced the Dwight D. Eisenhower dollar. Its obverse featured a portrait of Eisenhower, while reverse designs showed either the 1969 moon landing or a Liberty Bell set against the moon.

The designs were logical tributes to important people and events, but the article found little beauty in them. Circulation coins used copper and nickel, whereas uncirculated and proof versions from the San Francisco Mint contained 40% silver. They therefore did not bring prices comparable to coins with more silver. A common misconception held that Eisenhower dollars were U.S. 90% silver coins, though that applied only to pieces minted in 1964 or earlier.

Summary

Recognizing popular and valuable coins was presented as a first step toward informed coin investing. The article advised weighing a coin’s design, usability, and the historical significance of both the coin and its design. Most importantly, readers were encouraged to speak with a precious-metals investment advisor to help identify suitable coins.

When this article was originally published, Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers invited readers to seek help from its coin experts in selecting dollar coins for a portfolio. The article stated that its coin and precious-metals industry knowledge and experience could guide selections, and that purchases from or sales to the business were offered with fair prices and transparent pricing processes.

When this article was originally published, it described Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers as a silver coin dealer readers could rely upon. Readers were invited to begin with its resource on What You Need to Know Before You Sell Silver Dollar Coins or contact the business for a personalized discussion. Those looking to sell Morgan or Peace dollars were invited to fill out our form to arrange an appointment.

At publication, When originally published, readers were invited to call that day at 678-515-5763!