1889 Silver Dollar Value Checker: Errors List,“CC”,“O”,“S” & No Mint Mark Worth

The 1889 Silver Dollar Value is a topic that attracts both seasoned numismatists and first-time collectors alike — and for good reason. Produced across four U.S. Mint facilities in a single year, this coin offers a wide range of collecting opportunities, with average values that vary significantly depending on mint mark, grade, and surface quality.

For most circulated examples, average values start at a modest $84.00 in Good condition for the standard Philadelphia (no mint mark) issue. However, the picture changes dramatically with rarer variants: the 1889-CC (Carson City) averages $814.00 even in Good grade, while its Mint State average reaches well into the six figures. Proof issues present another tier entirely, with the 1889 DCAM averaging $14,483.33.

Whether you’re evaluating a coin you’ve inherited or building a focused collection, understanding what drives 1889 Silver Dollar value — mint origin, grade, and surface designation — is the essential first step.

 

1889 Silver Dollar Value By Variety

The 1889 Silver Dollar was struck at four U.S. Mint facilities — Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Carson City — each producing coins that differ notably in rarity and value.

If you know the grade of your coin,you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

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

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1889 Silver Dollar Worth Money

Among all 1889 Silver Dollar auction records from 2006 to present, the 1889-CC dominates the top of the list by a significant margin. The highest recorded sale belongs to an 1889-CC graded MS-68, which achieved $881,250 — a figure that reflects just how rare a near-perfect specimen from Carson City truly is.

Two MS-65 examples also appear in the top four, selling for $660,000 and $324,000 respectively, illustrating how even within the same grade, condition nuances can produce notable price differences.

Moving down the chart, MS-64 and MS-63 Carson City examples still commanded figures ranging from $88,125 to $264,000 — numbers that most coin series simply cannot match at comparable grades.

The only non-CC entry in the top ten is an 1889-O graded MS-65, which realized $84,000, a result that underscores just how wide the value gap is between the Carson City issue and all other 1889 mint varieties.

 

History Of The 1889 Silver Dollar

The Morgan Silver Dollar owes its existence to a pivotal moment in U.S. monetary policy.

Following the economic turmoil of the Panic of 1873, silver was effectively removed from the monetary system. Driven by the “free silver” movement, Congress enacted the Bland-Allison Act of 1878. It mandated the U.S. Treasury to purchase silver each month and coin it into silver dollars. This legislation directly gave rise to the Morgan Dollar series.

By 1889, the Morgan Dollar had been in production for eleven years. The political debate around silver, however, remained far from settled. The following year, the Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890 would increase government silver purchases, expanding production across all mints.

Against this backdrop, 1889 holds a particular place in the series. The Carson City Mint had been absent from Morgan Dollar production since 1885. It returned in October 1889 — making that year’s CC-mint coins among the most historically significant of the entire series.

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

 

Key Features Of The 1889 Silver Dollar

The 1889 Silver Dollar shares the same iconic design used throughout the Morgan Dollar series. Designed by George T. Morgan, the coin features carefully crafted imagery on both sides. Understanding these design elements helps collectors better assess and appreciate what they’re looking at.

The Obverse Of The 1889 Silver Dollar

The obverse features Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap, with the word “LIBERTY” inscribed on her headband. Morgan’s Liberty was modeled after a real person — Philadelphia schoolteacher Anna Willess Williams. This was a deliberate departure from the classical Greek style used on earlier U.S. coins.

Surrounding the portrait are thirteen small stars, representing the original colonies, along with the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and the date 1889.

The Reverse Of The 1889 Silver Dollar

The reverse displays a majestic American bald eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, representing strength and peace.

The eagle is surrounded by the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “ONE DOLLAR,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The mint mark, when present, appears on the reverse just above the “DO” in “DOLLAR.”

Other Features Of The 1889 Silver Dollar

The 1889 Morgan Dollar measures 38.10 mm in diameter and 2.40 mm in thickness, with a reeded edge. Its composition is 90% silver and 10% copper, with a total weight of 26.73 grams — giving it a substantial feel that earned it the nickname “Cartwheel.”

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

 

1889 Silver Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

The 1889 Silver Dollar was produced across multiple mint facilities, with striking differences in both mintage and survival numbers.

The Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) issue led production by a wide margin, with 21,726,000 coins struck. Yet despite that large output, only around 2,200,000 are estimated to have survived — a survival rate of just over 10%. The New Orleans (O) mint followed with 11,875,000 coins, also at a 10% survival rate.

The Carson City (CC) issue tells a different story. With only 350,000 minted and just 25,250 survivors, its 7.2143% survival rate is the lowest of all regular-issue varieties — a key reason for its exceptional collectible value today.

Proof-related issues, though all struck in quantities of just 811, show notable differences in survival. The CAM variety retained the highest survival rate at 43.1566%, while the DCAM survived at only 1.8496%, with a mere 15 examples estimated to exist.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1889 Silver Dollar Value

Knowing your 1889 Silver Dollar value comes down to three key factors: mint mark, grade, and surface designation. A coin from Philadelphia in circulated condition tells a very different story than a Carson City example in Mint State.

Start by identifying the mint mark on the reverse, then assess the coin’s overall condition as honestly as possible. For a quick and reliable estimate, the Coin Value Checker App makes the process simple — just look up your coin and get an instant value reference right from your phone.

 

1889 Silver Dollar Value Guides

The 1889 Silver Dollar comes in several distinct varieties, each with its own rarity profile and collector appeal. Here is a quick overview of all seven types covered in this guide:

1889 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar — Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this is the most common 1889 variety with the highest production volume. No mint mark appears on the reverse. Well-preserved Mint State examples are notably harder to find than the large mintage suggests.

1889-CC Silver Dollar — The most valuable 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar, carrying the “CC” mint mark from the Carson City Mint. It always commands a premium due to its very low production, making it the rarest regular-issue 1889 variety.

1889-O Silver Dollar — The New Orleans Mint was a major contributor to silver dollar production for the U.S. West and South. However, due to uneven minting methods, many 1889-O coins were struck with inconsistent quality. A sharply struck specimen is considered a genuine find.

1889-S Silver Dollar — The San Francisco Mint produced a smaller quantity compared to Philadelphia and New Orleans. Uncirculated examples are considerably scarcer, and the finest known specimens are highly competitive among advanced collectors.

1889 Proof Silver Dollar — Only 811 Proofs were made in 1889 at the Philadelphia Mint, compared to over 34 million business strikes across all four mints. These coins feature mirror-like fields and sharp, frosted design elements, produced using specially polished dies.

1889 CAM Silver Dollar — The Cameo (CAM) designation applies to Proof coins displaying a strong contrast between the frosted design and the reflective fields. Among the 811 Proof coins struck, CAM examples represent a select portion with particularly crisp visual contrast.

1889 DCAM Silver Dollar — The Deep Cameo (DCAM) is the highest surface designation for Proof coins, featuring an even more pronounced contrast. Only 811 Proof coins were produced in 1889, and DCAM survivors are exceptionally rare, with very few examples confirmed to exist today.

Each variety tells a different story — from the widely available Philadelphia issue to the legendary Carson City rarity. Understanding these distinctions is the foundation of accurately assessing any 1889 Silver Dollar. Whether you’re a first-time collector or a seasoned numismatist, knowing which variety you hold is the single most important step before evaluating its condition and market value.

 

1889 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar Value

The 1889 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint and holds the distinction of being the highest-mintage issue of the entire Morgan Dollar series, with 21,726,000 coins produced.

Despite that large output, the coin is not as common in top condition as the numbers suggest. Millions were melted under the Pittman Act of 1918 and the Silver Act of 1942. The coin becomes genuinely rare at the MS-67 level, and only a single example has been certified at the pinnacle MS-68 grade.

That MS-68 specimen realized $25,300 at a Heritage Auctions sale in January 2009 — a result that reflects just how uncommon a flawless example truly is, even for a coin with millions originally struck.

Auction records for the 1889 No Mint Mark dollar show that high-grade examples have sold at notably varying prices over time.

Market activity data reflects a generally steady collector interest in this variety across recent months.

 

1889-CC Silver Dollar Value

The Carson City Mint was shuttered in September 1885 and did not reopen until October 1889. With production resuming so late in the year, the Nevada mint delivered three batches of Morgan dollars — 100,000 in October, 100,000 in November, and 150,000 in December — totaling just 350,000 coins.

Most of the mintage went immediately into circulation, and a large portion is presumed to have been melted under the Pittman Act of 1918. Fewer than 1,200 examples have been graded in any Mint State grade, with only nine certified at MS-65 and a single known example at MS-68. The 1889-CC is widely regarded as the rarest regular-issue Carson City Morgan dollar.

That MS-68 specimen — from the Eliasberg Collection — sold at Stack’s Bowers in 2013 for $881,250.

The chart below traces how auction prices for this coin have moved over time, reflecting its standing as one of the most pursued dates in the Morgan series.

Market activity for the 1889-CC tends to be lower in volume than common dates, but demand remains consistently strong whenever an example comes up for sale.

 

1889-O Silver Dollar Value

With a mintage of 11,875,000, the 1889-O is one of the more plentiful issues of the year on paper. In practice, though, it tells a different story in higher grades.

The New Orleans Mint prioritized quantity over quality during this period, and the vast majority of 1889-O dollars suffer from weak strikes, poor luster, and unappealing surfaces. The coin is common through MS-64, but becomes very scarce at MS-65 and exceptionally rare at MS-66 or better — largely due to the poor strikes characteristic of this mint. A well-struck, attractive example is genuinely difficult to find.

The auction record for the 1889-O stands at $84,000, realized by an MS-65 example.

The auction chart below shows how prices for top-grade 1889-O examples have performed — with sharp spikes reflecting just how competitive bidding gets when a quality specimen surfaces.

Monthly market activity for the 1889-O stays fairly consistent, driven by steady demand from collectors building full mint-mark sets.

 

1889-S Silver Dollar Value

The 1889-S has one of the more unusual histories in the entire Morgan series. Until at least the mid-1920s, it was considered one of the greatest rarities among Morgan dollars. That reputation changed when a few bags surfaced in 1937, and many more in the early 1940s, after which the 1889-S became considerably more available.

With a mintage of 700,000 — all delivered in just the final two months of the year — the coin is still a notably scarce issue. Circulated examples are scarce, and the coin can be difficult to find at MS-65, with anything above that level considered a genuine rarity. On the positive side, the San Francisco Mint’s strikes are usually sharp, making quality survivors more appealing than comparable New Orleans pieces.

The auction record stands at $16,450, achieved by an MS-66+ example at Heritage Auctions in April 2014.

The auction chart below captures how prices for high-grade 1889-S examples have trended, with notable jumps when gem-quality pieces come to market.

Market activity for this variety runs at a moderate pace — consistent enough to reflect solid collector demand, but never as frequent as the more common Philadelphia issue.

 

1889 Proof Silver Dollar Value

Unlike the business strike issues, the 1889 Proof Morgan Dollar was made specifically for collectors. The Philadelphia Mint produced just 811 Proof examples in 1889 — at the lower end of the mintage range for Proof Morgans from the 1880s.

Most surviving examples grade in the PR-62 to PR-64 range. At PR-65 they become harder to find, at PR-66 they are scarce, and anything grading higher is very difficult to obtain. Cameo contrast is especially desirable but rarely seen on this date. Many examples are softly struck at the centers and lack any degree of cameo contrast — finding a sharp strike with cameo surfaces is a genuine challenge.

The auction record for the standard Proof stands at $34,500, achieved by a PR-68 example at Heritage Auctions in January 2006.

Auction prices for the 1889 Proof show significant variation depending on grade and surface quality — the chart below illustrates how wide that range can be.

Market activity for this variety is limited by nature, with relatively few examples changing hands each month compared to the circulation-strike issues.

 

1889 CAM Silver Dollar Value

The 1889 CAM is a Proof coin sharing the same 811-piece mintage as the standard Proof issue — but the Cameo designation sets it apart entirely.

A CAM designation means the coin displays a visible contrast between frosted devices and mirror-like fields. With Cameo surfaces, 1889 Proof Morgan Dollars are even more difficult to find than standard Proofs. This contrast results from fresh, lightly used dies — and because dies wear quickly with each strike, true Cameo examples from any given Proof mintage are always a small fraction of the total.

Most 1889 Proof Morgans are encountered in the PR-60 to PR-64 range. Gem examples are scarce, PR-66s are rare, and anything higher is very difficult to obtain. Finding a sharply struck CAM example at the gem level is a genuine rarity.

The auction record for the 1889 CAM stands at $74,750, achieved by a PR-68 example at Heritage Auctions in August 2011 — more than double the record for the standard Proof at the same grade.

Auction prices for the 1889 CAM show considerable jumps at higher grades, reflecting how sharply demand rises when a well-preserved example surfaces.

Given how seldom top-grade CAM examples appear, market activity for this variety is sparse — but interest from serious Proof collectors remains high.

 

1889 DCAM Silver Dollar Value

The DCAM — or Deep Cameo — designation represents the highest surface tier among Proof coins. It requires an even more pronounced contrast between the frosted devices and deeply mirrored fields than a standard CAM, and it is considerably harder to find.

Deep Cameo examples from the 1889 Proof issue are almost unknown, with only a handful of examples confirmed to exist. Out of the 811 Proof coins struck that year, only those produced from the very first impressions of freshly polished dies could achieve this level of contrast — making DCAM survivors an extreme rarity by any measure.

This scarcity places the 1889 DCAM in a different collecting category altogether. The auction record stands at $19,200, achieved by a PR-66 DCAM example at Heritage Auctions in January 2022.

Market activity for this variety is the most limited of all seven 1889 types, reflecting just how seldom a certified DCAM example reaches the auction block.

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

 

Rare 1889 Silver Dollar Error List

Beyond the standard varieties, the 1889 Silver Dollar has a number of notable die varieties cataloged under the VAM system — named after researchers Van Allen and Mallis.

These varieties arise from differences between dies used at the same mint in the same year, including doubled elements, clashed dies, and unusual mint mark shapes.

Several 1889 examples appear on the respected Top 100 and Hit List 40 VAM lists, making them actively sought by variety collectors.

1. 1889 Pitted Reverse

This variety shows raised dots or pitting on the reverse die, most visibly in and around the “DO” of DOLLAR and extending up toward the wreath bow. The pitting results from die deterioration — the reverse die developed surface damage that transferred as raised bumps onto struck coins.

The most notable example is VAM-28A, which combines a Pitted Reverse with a Doubled Ear. It appears on the Hit List 40, making it one of the more collectible 1889 Philadelphia varieties.

2. 1889 Doubled Ear

The 1889 has many Doubled Ear varieties, often as a result of die fatigue. The doubling appears on Lady Liberty’s ear on the obverse, visible as a second outline along the inner or outer edge of the ear.

This rare variety features a doubling of Lady Liberty’s ear, and depending on the condition, can be worth $50 to $120 in common mint grades, with higher grades like MS-66 fetching over $1,000. Multiple VAMs carry this feature, with VAM-18 and VAM-20 among the most well-known examples.

3. 1889 Bar Wing

VAM-22 Bar Wing is a Top 100 and WOW! Morgan VAM. It features a dramatic die break on the eagle’s right wing on the reverse, appearing as a raised bar or line cutting across the wing feathers.

This VAM features a die chip or die crack on the top of the eagle’s wing, and can be worth $100 to $2,000 in mint state depending on grade, with MS-66 or above fetching more. VAM-19A is a related variety also carrying the Bar Wing feature alongside a Doubled Reverse.

4. 1889-O Clashed E

This New Orleans variety occurs when the obverse and reverse dies struck each other without a planchet between them. Clashing happens when dies strike each other without a planchet between them, transferring ghost impressions from one die to the other.

On the 1889-O VAM-1A, a partial incuse “E” from the reverse legend transferred onto the obverse near Liberty’s neck — giving the variety its name. It is a confirmed Top 100 Morgan VAM.

5. 1889-O Oval O

The 1889-O VAM-2 Oval O is another Top 100 variety from the New Orleans Mint. The standard mint mark on New Orleans coins is a round “O,” but on this variety the mint mark appears noticeably more oval or elongated in shape. This results from a different punch used to apply the mint mark to the die.

The 1889-O VAM-2 Oval O is a subtle variety that appeals to specialists, adding a meaningful premium to the value in mint state grades.

6. 1889-O Doubled Date

The 1889-O VAM-6 is attributed as Doubled 18-9, O Set High — a Top 100 Morgan VAM. The doubling is visible on the digits “1,” “8,” and “9” of the date, caused by the date being punched into the die more than once at a slightly different position.

The mint mark also sits higher than normal on this variety. It is one of three confirmed Top 100 VAMs from the 1889-O issue, alongside the Clashed E and Oval O.

 

Where To Sell Your 1889 Silver Dollar?

Ready to sell your 1889 Silver Dollar? We’ve put together a list of the best platforms for selling coins online — covering their key features, pros, and cons — so you can find the right buyer and get the best value for your coin.

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

 

1889 Silver Dollar Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1889 Silver Dollar

1. What is the 1889 Silver Dollar?

The 1889 Silver Dollar is a Morgan Dollar struck at four U.S. Mint facilities — Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Carson City. Designed by George T. Morgan, it features Lady Liberty on the obverse and a bald eagle on the reverse. It is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighs 26.73 grams, and measures 38.10 mm in diameter.

2. How much is a 1889 Silver Dollar worth?

Value depends heavily on mint mark, grade, and surface designation. A standard Philadelphia example in Good condition averages around $84.00, while a Carson City example in the same grade averages $814.00.

At the top end, a single MS-68 1889-CC sold for $881,250 at auction in 2013. Proof issues add another tier, with the DCAM averaging $14,483.33.

3. Which 1889 Silver Dollar is the most valuable?

The 1889-CC is by far the most valuable regular-issue 1889 Silver Dollar. With only 350,000 struck and a survival rate of just 7.2%, it is the rarest Carson City Morgan dollar. Fewer than 1,200 examples exist in any Mint State grade, and the single known MS-68 specimen sold for $881,250 — the auction record for this date.

4. How can I identify which mint struck my 1889 Silver Dollar?

Check the reverse side of the coin, just above the letters “DO” in “DOLLAR.” A “CC” indicates Carson City, “O” indicates New Orleans, and “S” indicates San Francisco. Philadelphia-minted coins carry no mint mark at all. This single detail is one of the most important factors in determining your coin’s value.

5. What makes the 1889-CC so rare?

The Carson City Mint had been closed since 1885 and only reopened in October 1889. Production was limited to just three months, yielding only 350,000 coins. Most entered circulation immediately, and a large portion was later melted under the Pittman Act of 1918.

Today, only a handful of Mint State examples survive, making it a key date in the entire Morgan Dollar series.

6. What are VAM varieties on the 1889 Silver Dollar?

VAM varieties are die variations cataloged by researchers Van Allen and Mallis. The 1889 issue has several notable examples, including the Pitted Reverse, Doubled Ear, and Bar Wing from Philadelphia, and the Clashed E, Oval O, and Doubled Date from New Orleans.

Several appear on the Top 100 and Hit List 40 VAM lists, making them actively pursued by variety collectors.

7. How many 1889 Proof Silver Dollars exist?

Only 811 Proof Morgan Dollars were struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1889. Of these, an estimated 235 standard Proofs survive, along with approximately 350 CAM examples.

The rarest are the DCAM specimens, with only around 15 estimated to exist today — making the 1889 DCAM one of the most elusive Proof Morgan varieties of the decade.

8. What is the difference between a CAM and DCAM 1889 Silver Dollar?

Both are Proof coins, but they differ in the degree of contrast between the frosted devices and mirror-like fields. A CAM (Cameo) shows a clear contrast, while a DCAM (Deep Cameo) displays a significantly more pronounced, dramatic contrast. DCAM examples are produced only from the very first strikes of freshly polished dies, making them far rarer and more valuable than standard CAM pieces.

9. Was the 1889-S Silver Dollar ever considered rare?

Yes — until the mid-1920s, the 1889-S was considered one of the greatest rarities in the entire Morgan Dollar series. Its status changed when bags of coins were released from San Francisco Mint storage in 1937 and the early 1940s.

Today it is a scarce but obtainable coin in lower grades, though it remains genuinely difficult to find at MS-65 or above.

10. How do I find out the value of my 1889 Silver Dollar?

Start by identifying the mint mark on the reverse, then assess the coin’s condition as accurately as possible. Grade, mint mark, and surface designation are the three key factors that drive value.

For a quick and reliable estimate, the Coin Value Checker App allows you to look up your coin instantly and get a current value reference right from your phone.