1882 Silver Dollar value ranges from $1.00 face value to $108,688. That record belongs to an 1882-O graded MS-68+ that sold through Legend Rare Coin Auctions in June 2015 — the only coin ever certified at that grade level. If yours has a mint mark or looks like it’s never been in circulation, it could be worth far more than you’d expect, so upload a photo below for a quick value range. You can also scroll down to see what real 1882 Silver Dollars are selling for on eBay right now.

 

1882 Silver Dollar Value By Variety

Check the chart below for estimated values across all four mint marks and surface types, from Good through Proof. If you already know your coin’s grade, jump to the Value Guides section for exact pricing.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Silver Dollar Coins Worth Money (Most Expensive)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1882 Silver Dollar Worth Money

The chart tracks auction results for the top 10 most valuable 1882 Morgan Silver Dollars sold between 2004 and the present. The 1882-O graded MS-68 sits at the top, breaking $108,000. Right behind it is the 1882-O/S Strong graded MS-65 at $84,000. Carson City pieces at MS-65 and MS-68 fill the next two spots, with the rest clustering between $27,000 and $39,000.

That massive premium on high-grade New Orleans coins comes down to two things: strike quality and how many survived. Most Morgan Dollars never circulated — they sat in bank vaults backing Silver Certificates. Then in 1918, huge quantities got melted under the Pittman Act, with the silver shipped to Britain for the war effort. That mass melting wiped out a big chunk of the surviving population. Coins that came through with original mint luster intact are wildly rare at the top grades. An 1882-O at MS-68 is basically a unicorn, and that’s what drives the price into six figures.

The 1882-O/S variety carries its own story. In late 1881, the Philadelphia Mint took reverse dies stamped with San Francisco mintmarks and overpunched them with the New Orleans “O.” That die reuse left a traceable overmark. Circulated examples pop up now and then, but Mint State pieces above MS-64 are nearly impossible to find. That explains why it landed as the second-highest sale despite a lower numerical grade than the top coin.

Carson City coins have a built-in advantage. The mint ran limited production before closing in 1893, so every CC-marked coin carries both rarity and strong provenance appeal. In the 1960s, roughly 2.9 million Carson City Morgans turned up in U.S. Treasury vaults. The General Services Administration sold them to the public in distinctive hard-plastic holders between 1972 and 1980. Collectors treat that GSA packaging as a stamp of authenticity. Still, examples at MS-65 and above are genuinely scarce — the GSA holdings were mostly lower Mint State grades.

The VAM varieties in the chart — like the 1882-O VAM 4 O/S with Recessed VRS and EDS designations — show how variety collecting moves the market. Cherrypicking these die differences is a hobby within the hobby. Once PCGS or NGC attributes a VAM, the coin’s marketability jumps. A VAM-attributed coin in MS-62 can sell right alongside non-variety MS-65 pieces at similar prices. The $31,200 result for the EDS example in this chart proves that point.

The gap between the MS-68 result and the MS-67 results lower in the chart tells you everything about condition rarity at the top end. We’re talking $70,000 or more for a single grade point. Each incremental grade gets exponentially scarcer in the population reports, and bidders pay accordingly.

 

History of the 1882 Silver Dollar

The 1882 Silver Dollar landed right in the middle of the Morgan Dollar’s run. The country was industrializing fast, the frontier was still open, and silver was political. The Bland-Allison Act forced the government to buy and coin silver, and four mints — Philadelphia, Carson City, New Orleans, and San Francisco — all struck 1882 dollars.

Here’s a fun detail: two different silver dollars were in use at the same time. The Trade Dollar circulated overseas, mostly in Asia, while the Morgan Dollar stayed domestic. By 1882, the Trade Dollar was on its last legs — only proofs were struck that year. Despite the Morgan’s huge production numbers, Americans mostly didn’t want to carry them. Silver dollars were heavy and awkward. People preferred Silver Certificates instead. So most Morgans sat in bank vaults, backing those paper notes.

Each mint gave the 1882 dollar its own personality. Philadelphia cranked out the most coins with consistent strikes. Carson City struck far fewer but stored most of them, which is why uncirculated CC coins are so available today. The 1882-O/S overstrike from New Orleans is one of the series’ standout varieties — you can see traces of an “S” mintmark hiding under the “O,” proof that dies meant for San Francisco got recycled at New Orleans.

What really shaped the 1882 dollar’s long-term story happened decades later. The Pittman Act of 1918 sent over 270 million Morgan Dollars to the melting pot, with the bullion sold to Britain at a dollar per ounce. Experts figure only about 10% of all minted Morgans survived that and later meltings. Then came the GSA hoard releases in the 1970s, which put Carson City Morgans from Treasury vaults into collectors’ hands — complete with government packaging that people still prize. Today, the Morgan Dollar’s fame is tied to the Old West, where it circulated heavily in the 1880s and 1890s. The 1882 remains one of the most recognized and actively traded dates in the series.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Morgan Silver Dollar Coins Worth Money List

 

Is Your 1882 Silver Dollar Rare?

Most 1882 Silver Dollars are easy to find in lower grades. But Carson City issues and high-grade DMPL examples? Those are a completely different kind of rare. The CC had the lowest mintage of the year, and DMPL surfaces at gem level are scarce across every mint mark.

To find out exactly where your coin stands, use the Coin Identifier and Value App — its precise rarity rankings and grade-based valuations take the guesswork out of determining just how special your 1882 Silver Dollar really is.

 

Key Features of the 1882 Silver Dollar

The 1882 Morgan Silver Dollar was designed by George T. Morgan and struck at four mints — Philadelphia, Carson City, New Orleans, and San Francisco. Collectors value it for its history, craftsmanship, and silver content.

The Obverse of the 1882 Silver Dollar

Flip the coin to the heads side and you’ll see Lady Liberty in left-profile relief. She’s wearing a Phrygian cap and a coronet crown. The model was Anna Williams of Philadelphia — Morgan reportedly said she had the most perfect feminine profile he’d ever seen.

Her headband reads “LIBERTY,” and the cap is decorated with stalks of wheat, cotton, and maple — symbols of American agriculture. Thirteen stars ring the border. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arcs above, and the date 1882 sits at the bottom.

The Reverse of the 1882 Silver Dollar

Flip it over and you’ll find the heraldic bald eagle facing forward, shown without the national shield. The eagle grips arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other.

“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” surround the eagle. A laurel wreath circles from below, and “ONE DOLLAR” appears at the base. Look between the “D” and “O” in “DOLLAR” — that’s where you’ll find the mint mark, if there is one.

Other Features of the 1882 Silver Dollar

The 1882 Silver Dollar measures 38.1mm in diameter and 2.4mm thick. It weighs 26.73 grams — 90% silver, 10% copper — with a reeded edge. That works out to 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver.

Beyond the specs, pay attention to surface type. True prooflike (PL) coins are elusive, showing mirror-like fields that mimic proofs. Deep mirror prooflike (DMPL) pieces — with that combination of mirrored fields and frosted devices — are scarcer still. Both carry serious premiums over standard business strikes.

Also Read: Top 80+ Most Valuable Sacagawea Dollar Worth Money (2000-P to Present)

 

1882 Silver Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

The four business-strike mints combined for over 27.5 million 1882 Morgan Silver Dollars. But survival rates are all over the map — circulation, wartime melting, and government storage hit each mint’s output differently.

Philadelphia struck 11,100,000 coins, the most of any facility. Only about 9.9% survive today. The Pittman Act of 1918 melted over 270 million Morgan Dollars — roughly 40% of all Morgans ever struck — and coins got pulled from storage regardless of date or mint. Big original mintage didn’t help.

The 1882-CC tells a completely different story. Carson City made just 1,133,000 Morgans that year — the lowest of all four mints. Yet 61.78% survive. That’s the highest survival rate of any 1882 issue, and it’s entirely because of the GSA Hoard. The 1882-CC was among the three most common dates in the GSA’s first Carson City sale on October 31, 1972. These coins had been sitting in Treasury vaults for decades, untouched and uncirculated, dodging the wear and melting that destroyed coins from other mints.

New Orleans is the opposite story. Out of 6,090,000 struck, only about 498,000 survive — just 8.18%, the lowest of any 1882 business strike. The typical slabbed 1882-O grades MS-63, reflecting the generally weak strikes from that facility. Most coins went straight into heavy circulation and never saw the inside of a government vault. San Francisco, with 9,250,000 struck and roughly 2,000,000 surviving, holds a 21.62% survival rate. The West Coast actually used silver dollars in everyday commerce, which accounts for the wear.

Philadelphia also struck 1,100 Proof coins in 1882, broken into standard Proof, Cameo (PR CAM), and Deep Cameo (PR DCAM). These were originally made for presentation to politicians and dignitaries or sold to well-connected collectors.

Among the three proof types, PR CAM shows the highest survival rate at 54.55%. Standard Proof and PR DCAM survive at 9.09% and 18.18% respectively — a pattern that reflects over 140 years of cleaning and mishandling taking their toll.

Also Read: Top 40+ Most Valuable Presidential Dollar Coins Worth Money

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1882 Silver Dollar Value

Check the mint mark on the reverse above “DO” in “DOLLAR,” then assess the coin’s condition — these two factors determine your coin’s value.Knowing your coin’s true worth starts here — use the Coin Identifier and Value App for instant value, grading, and error detection.

 

1882 Silver Dollar Value Guides

Seven distinct collectible types exist for 1882, spanning four mints and multiple surface designations. Here’s what you’re looking at:

• 1882 No Mint Mark — Philadelphia Mint; highest mintage of the year, most accessible for collectors
• 1882-CC — Carson City Mint; lowest mintage, most valuable business strike, widely found in GSA Hoard packaging
• 1882-O — New Orleans Mint; moderate mintage but lowest survival rate, high-grade examples are scarce
• 1882-S — San Francisco Mint; known for sharp strikes and strong luster
• 1882 Proof (PR) — Philadelphia Mint; only 1,100 struck, featuring fully mirrored fields
• 1882 Proof Cameo (PR CAM) — Proof with frosted devices contrasting against mirrored fields
• 1882 Proof Deep Cameo (PR DCAM) — the most desirable proof designation, with maximum contrast between frosted designs and mirror fields; only a handful of examples are known at the highest grades

 

1882 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar Valve

Most collectors think “common date” means boring. Not here. The 1882 Philadelphia is the easiest entry point in the series, sure — but only about 3,500 to 5,000 examples survive in MS-65 or better. That makes gem-quality pieces genuinely scarce despite the big original mintage.

A handful of Philadelphia strikes also earned Prooflike (PL) or Deep Mirror Prooflike (DMPL) designations — business strikes with mirror-like surfaces that look like proofs. Those command serious premiums.

In lower grades, you’re looking at real silver content and affordable prices. A circulated example typically trades around $50. But the value curve gets steep fast. An MS-65 can reach several hundred dollars, and an MS-67+ sold for $32,900 in June 2015. That same coin’s value climbed to $42,500 by 2025. The market rewards top-tier condition hard on this one.

I think the Philadelphia issue is one of the best starting points for new Morgan collectors — cheap to get into, but with enough upside at the gem level to keep you hunting for years.

The auction record shows just how much condition matters — check the chart below for the biggest sales.

Steady market activity keeps the Philadelphia issue relevant across every generation of Morgan collectors.

 

1882-CC Silver Dollar Valve

Even a beat-up 1882-CC pulls $115–$165. That’s nearly triple melt value, and it tells you everything about what the “CC” mint mark does to demand. With a mintage of just 1,133,000, this is the rarest business strike of the year — and the most sought-after.

The Carson City Mint was built to process Comstock Lode silver, and that frontier history is baked into every coin’s premium. Strikes are generally good with nice luster, though bag marks from decades of canvas-bag storage limit the number of high Mint State survivors. A small number came with Prooflike (PL) or Deep Mirror Prooflike (DMPL) surfaces, and those mirror-like fields push values up fast. A PCGS MS-67 PL example sold for $22,800 at Heritage Auctions in August 2020. An MS-68 can reach $45,000 according to NGC’s 2025 pricing data.

Demand for uncirculated Carson City coins has climbed steadily over two decades. That CC mint mark carries a romance and scarcity factor that holds premiums even on the more common CC dates. For new collectors, the 1882-CC is an accessible starting point. For experienced ones, it’s a meaningful long-term hold.

The auction record captures what condition and surface designation can do for value — check the chart below for the biggest sales.

This issue trades actively across all grade levels, reflecting the deep, loyal collector base that makes it one of the most consistently in-demand Morgans in the entire series.

1882-CC GSA Hoard Silver Dollar Value

The GSA packaging is what sets these apart. That black plastic holder with the GSA label means your coin went straight from a Treasury vault to a government sale — no circulation, no cleaning, no mystery about where it’s been.

Collectors love these in their original holders. Sealed GSA examples consistently pull a 10–20% premium over equivalent non-GSA coins at the same grade. Prooflike and Deep Mirror Prooflike examples in GSA packaging are rare and especially sought after.

You’re holding a coin with documented government provenance. Raw coins just can’t match that combination of authenticity, history, and guaranteed condition.

 

1882-O Silver Dollar Valve

Here’s a question worth asking: why does a coin with 6 million minted have the lowest survival rate of any 1882 issue? Just 8.18% made it. The answer is that New Orleans coins went straight into heavy circulation and never got tucked away in government vaults like the CC pieces did.

The 1882-O also suffers from the New Orleans Mint’s notoriously soft strikes. The typical Mint State grade is MS-63. Nearly 700 MS-65 examples have been certified by PCGS, but MS-66 pieces are super-scarce. Anything better is ultra-rare. The finest known — a single MS-68 formerly in the Jack Lee collection — is one of the most elite survivors in the entire series.

In circulated grades, you’ll pay $45–$150. Nothing crazy. But above MS-64, the value curve gets steep in a hurry. A small number of PL and DMPL examples exist too, and a well-struck prooflike 1882-O is a real find given how soft most strikes are from this mint.

If you’re a collector who chases condition rarity rather than date rarity, the 1882-O is one of the most rewarding targets in the Morgan series.

The auction record covers the full range — affordable circulated pieces to five-figure gems. Check the chart below.

Steady trading across all grade levels reflects consistent collector demand for this issue.

 

1882-S Silver Dollar Valve

If you want the best-looking 1882 Morgan for the money, this is it. The San Francisco Mint consistently delivered sharp strikes and strong luster, and the 1882-S is no exception. Where New Orleans coins struggle with mushy details and Philadelphia pieces vary in quality, the 1882-S is readily available in gem condition.

That makes it the natural pick for type collectors and newcomers. MS-64 or MS-65 examples offer outstanding eye appeal at $125–$250 — hard to beat at those grades from any other mint. The coin is extremely common through MS-67. Above that, though, it gets markedly scarcer. MS-68 and higher pieces are genuine rarities. The auction record is an MS-68+ that sold for $27,025 at Legend Rare Coin Auctions in May 2019.

A small number of PL and DMPL examples also exist. Both are very rare at gem levels, and well-preserved prooflike pieces attract meaningful premiums from advanced collectors.

We think the 1882-S is one of the most liquid Morgans on the market — easy to buy, easy to sell, and consistently in demand at every collector level.

The auction record shows how sharply value climbs at the highest grades — see the chart below.

Broad, active market participation reflects this coin’s status as one of the most trusted pieces in the entire Morgan series.

 

1882 Proof Silver Dollar Valve

Only 1,100 were made. That’s less than 0.01% of total 1882 Morgan production. These weren’t struck for commerce — they were the Philadelphia Mint showing off what it could do, with specially prepared dies and planchets creating deeply mirrored fields and sharp, frosted devices.

The production process was exacting. Dies were polished to a mirror finish, planchets were carefully selected, and coins were often struck multiple times for maximum detail. The result is a coin whose reflective surfaces and crisp devices look nothing like a business strike.

A good number of the original mintage still exists, but many have been cleaned or mishandled over 140-plus years. That makes original, problem-free specimens with intact surfaces genuinely scarce and worth significantly more than cleaned examples at the same numeric grade. Values range from around $2,000 at PR-60 to over $19,000 at PR-67. The auction record stands at $51,750 for a PR-67 sold at Stack’s in May 2003.

For anyone building a complete 1882 Morgan set, the proof isn’t optional. It’s the centerpiece.

The auction record shows how sharply grade impacts value at the proof level — see the chart below.

Steady demand among advanced collectors keeps the 1882 Proof anchored at the top tier of the 1882 Morgan market.

 

1882 Proof CAM Silver Dollar Valve

A common misconception is that all proofs look the same. They don’t. The Cameo designation means you’re looking at frosted devices set against deeply mirrored fields — a two-tone effect that only the first 100 or so strikes from each die pairing could produce. After that, the acid-washed frost on the dies wore down and the contrast faded.

Roughly 20–30% of proof Morgan Dollars show cameo contrast, making the designation significantly rarer than standard proof within the already tiny 1,100-coin mintage. Many proof examples have been cleaned or mishandled over the years, so finding an original, problem-free Cameo with undisturbed contrast is a real challenge.

The top-graded Cameo reached $63,250 at Heritage Auctions in August 2011. Only five examples have been certified at that grade level. Absolute scarcity, visual rarity within the proof subset, and strict grading standards on eye appeal make the 1882 Proof CAM one of the most selectively collected coins in the entire Morgan series.

The auction record shows how grade and eye appeal drive value — check the chart below.

Limited market activity reflects genuine scarcity — only the most dedicated advanced collectors pursue this designation.

 

1882 Proof DCAM Silver Dollar Valve

This is the top of the mountain. The Deep Cameo shows billowy, softly frosted devices against glassy, mirror-like fields — maximum contrast that only the very first impressions from a freshly prepared die could achieve. Once the die struck 50 to 100 coins, the frost started wearing off.

Out of 1,100 proofs, Deep Cameo examples are rare across all proof Morgan dates. Most 1882 proofs have nice surfaces and decent eye appeal, but only a small share grade 65 or higher. The majority land between 60 and 64. Finding a problem-free, unimpaired Deep Cameo is a genuine challenge even for experienced collectors.

The top-graded Deep Cameo sold for $51,700 at Heritage Auctions in August 2017. Only two examples are known at that grade. If you’re chasing the absolute pinnacle of the 1882 proof series, this is it.

The auction record shows how extreme the scarcity gets at the top — see the chart below.

Market appearances are infrequent given how few examples exist. Each auction draws serious attention from advanced collectors.

Also Read: 17 Rare Dollar Coin Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Rare 1882 Silver Dollar Error List

Not every 1882 Silver Dollar came out right. Dies clashed without a planchet between them, foreign objects got into the striking chamber, and blanks were cut wrong. Each scenario created a distinct, traceable error that slipped past quality control.

The 1882 series produced a solid range of mint errors across multiple facilities. Here’s what to look for.

1. 1882-CC VAM 2 Misplaced Date Silver Dollar

Look below the “8” in the date. You’ll see the top of a “1” digit that got punched in the wrong spot before being corrected. On early die state examples, it’s bold and obvious. Later strikes show only a faint mushy dot as the die wore down. PCGS records an auction record of $1,695 for an MS-66 example sold in August 2018.

2. 1882-CC VAM 2A Clashed Die Silver Dollar

Die clashes happen when the press fires without a planchet between the dies. The collision transfers mirror images between the two dies, leaving ghost impressions on every coin struck afterward.

On Morgans, look at Liberty’s neck — the eagle’s wing tip leaves a raised line there. On the reverse, Liberty’s profile transfers onto the eagle’s wing. On the 1882-CC, you’ll see a faded “n” at Liberty’s neck along with the misplaced date impression. PCGS records an auction record of $999 for an MS-66 example sold at Heritage Auctions in February 2017.

3. 1882-CC VAM 2C Counter Clash Silver Dollar

A counter clash is what happens when dies that already clashed once — and got partially re-polished — clash again. During the lifespan of the 1882-CC VAM-2 die marriage, the dies clashed at least four times and were repolished at least twice.

The counter clash shows up as an impression on Liberty’s upper lip from a second clashing event after re-polishing. It starts as a depressed band and progresses to a full raised die break in later stages. This layered error history — misplaced date, initial clash, polishing, counter clash — makes the 1882-CC one of the most studied die error sequences in the Morgan series.

4. 1882-O Overmintmark (O/S) Silver Dollar

Grab a 10x loupe and look at the mint mark. On strong examples, you’ll see the “S” acting as a horizontal crossbar inside the “O” — the result of an “O” punched over an “S,” likely because of a shipping mix-up from Philadelphia where the dies were made.

Multiple die states exist depending on how thoroughly the “S” got covered. Some are crisp and fully legible. Others are broken and faint, needing oblique lighting to spot. PCGS records an auction record of $84,000 for an MS-65+ Strong example sold at Heritage Auctions in August 2022.

5. 1882-CC VAM 2B Stage 3 Silver Dollar

This is the in-between stage. The mint polished away the clashed “n” from the previous stage and the diagonal bar of the misplaced “1” below the left “8.” But the doubling and raised lump on the second “8” are still clearly visible. The counter-clashing at Liberty’s lip seen in later stages hasn’t happened yet.

That makes VAM 2B a short-lived die state. It sits between the single clash of VAM 2A and the counter-clash of VAM 2C, and its brief lifespan means fewer examples survive compared to the stages on either side.

6. 1882-O VAM 7 O/O Silver Dollar

This is the most dramatic repunched mint mark in the entire Morgan series. You can see it without magnification. The die got punched twice with the “O” in different positions, leaving a strong secondary “O” visible inside and below the primary one.

Unlike the O/S overmintmark errors, both punches used the same letter. This is a pure placement error, not a die reuse. PCGS records an auction record of $2,760 for an MS-65 example sold at Heritage Auctions in September 2024.

7. 1882-O/S VAM 4 O/S EDS Silver Dollar

VAM 4 is a specific Early Die State attribution within the O/S overmintmark family. On this variety, the underlying “S” remnants appear recessed within the “O” — sunken into the surface rather than flush with it. That distinctive look separates it from both the Strong and Broken versions.

The EDS designation means the die was still fresh when this was struck, so the overpunch details are at their sharpest. PCGS records an auction record of $38,400 for an MS-65 example sold at Heritage Auctions in October 2021.

8. 1882-O/S VAM 5 O/S Broken Silver Dollar

VAM 5 is the most worn-out die state in the O/S family. Unlike the Strong and EDS versions where you can clearly trace the “S,” this one shows it as a broken or fragmented crossbar. You’ll need strong oblique lighting to pick it up — progressive die wear gradually obscured the original overpunch.

That makes this the hardest O/S variety to attribute. Finding a crisp example with the broken “S” still legible is a real cherrypicking challenge. PCGS records an auction record of $5,875 for an MS-65 example sold at Heritage Auctions in October 2014.

9. 1882 Struck Through Copper Silver Dollar

A piece of copper got trapped between the die and the planchet at the moment of striking. The copper absorbed part of the strike, leaving a depression or void where the metal couldn’t flow properly.

On a coin as large as the Morgan Dollar, the disruption to the high-relief design is immediately visible. Certified examples are especially appealing to error collectors.

10. 1882 Curved Clip Silver Dollar

Curved clips happen when the blanking punch overlaps a spot on the metal strip that’s already been punched. The result is a planchet with a curved bite of missing metal along the edge. When that incomplete planchet goes through the upset mill, the clipped area doesn’t raise properly — that’s the Blakesley Effect, and it confirms the clip happened before striking rather than being post-mint damage.

The bigger the clip, the more it’s worth. On an already oversized Morgan Dollar planchet, a large curved clip creates a dramatic visual that makes genuine examples immediately recognizable and highly sought after.

 

Where to Sell Your 1882 Silver Dollar?

After determining what your coins are worth, you’re probably wondering about convenient online selling options. I’ve researched and compiled a guide to the best platforms, outlining their services, pros, and cons.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1882 Silver Dollar Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ about the 1882 Silver Dollar

1. How much is an 1882 Silver Dollar worth?

It depends on the mint mark and condition. Heavily circulated coins start around $30. Uncirculated pieces in pristine condition can top $1,000. The 1882-CC pulls the highest premiums among business strikes, and proof examples reach tens of thousands at the top grades.

2. Where is the mintmark on an 1882 Silver Dollar?

Flip it over and look above the “DO” in “DOLLAR.” Philadelphia coins have no mint mark. Carson City shows “CC,” New Orleans shows “O,” and San Francisco shows “S.” The mint mark is one of the two biggest factors in determining value.

3. Which 1882 Silver Dollar mintmark is most valuable?

The “CC” from Carson City. Always carries a premium because of very low production — just 1,133,000 struck, making it the rarest 1882 Morgan. Even heavily worn examples command prices nearly three times melt value.

4. Is the 1882 Silver Dollar made of real silver?

Yes — 90% silver, containing 0.7735 troy ounces or 24.05 grams of pure silver. Total weight is 26.73 grams, diameter is 1.5 inches, and the edge is reeded. Every example has at minimum a silver melt value regardless of condition.

5. How do I know if my 1882 Silver Dollar is uncirculated?

All original mint detail must remain with none lost to wear. Check for mint luster across the entire surface, especially Liberty’s chin, neckline, and hair below and above the ear. Those areas wear first — if they look dull and smooth, the coin has circulated.

6. Why did so many 1882 Silver Dollars disappear?

Most Morgans never circulated — they sat in bank vaults backing Silver Certificates. Then the Pittman Act of 1918 sent them to the melting pot, with the silver sold to the UK at $1 per ounce for the war effort. Only about 10% of all minted Morgan Dollars survived.

7. What is a GSA Hoard 1882-CC Silver Dollar?

About 2.9 million Carson City Morgans were found in U.S. Treasury vaults in the 1960s. The General Services Administration sold them to the public through seven sales between 1972 and 1980.

The 1882-CC is one of the most commonly found dates in GSA packaging. That original black plastic government holder adds historical significance and a 10–20% premium over equivalent non-GSA examples.

8. Should I clean my 1882 Silver Dollar?

No. Never. Many Morgans have been cleaned, so watch out when buying too. Avoid low-grade pieces with highly reflective surfaces — that’s usually a sign of cleaning. A cleaned coin gets a “Details” designation from grading services that can slash its value by 50–90% compared to an original example at the same grade.

9. Should I get my 1882 Silver Dollar professionally graded?

For scarcer issues, yes. Counterfeit Morgans are increasingly common, so buying slabbed coins — graded and encapsulated by PCGS or NGC — is the safest approach. Professional certification is especially recommended for any Carson City issue, high-grade example, or coin you suspect has an error or surface designation.

10. What makes the 1882-O Silver Dollar special despite its common mintage?

It’s common by date but rare by condition. The New Orleans Mint’s weak strikes mean the typical slabbed 1882-O grades MS-63. MS-66 examples are super-scarce. Anything better is ultra-rare.

That’s condition rarity, not date rarity — and it’s what gives the 1882-O its unique appeal. The finest known, a single MS-68, is one of the most elite survivors in the entire Morgan series.