1898 Silver Dollar Value Checker: Errors List, “O”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

If you’ve come across an 1898 Morgan Silver Dollar, understanding its 1898 Silver Dollar Value is a practical and worthwhile place to start. The coin was produced at three mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans, and San Francisco, and both the mint of origin and condition significantly shape what it’s worth today.

Based on average market data, a standard Philadelphia issue ranges from around $84 in Good condition to approximately $192 in Mint State, while a San Francisco example in Mint State averages around $5,788. Rare proof variants average over $10,000.

The 1898 Morgan Silver Dollar value spans from under a hundred dollars to the low tens of thousands, making it relevant to collectors at every level. This guide covers the coin’s history, physical characteristics, grading standards, and mint mark variations in detail.

 

1898 Silver Dollar  Value By Variety

The 1898 Morgan Silver Dollar was struck at three different mints, and each variety carries its own distinct value depending on the mint of origin, surface designation, and grade.

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 1898 Silver Dollar Worth Money

Among all known auction results from 2005 to the present, the top 10 most valuable 1898 Silver Dollars tell a clear story: grade and mint mark make an enormous difference in what a coin is ultimately worth.

The 1898-S graded MS-68 leads the list at $117,500, the highest recorded sale for any 1898 Morgan Dollar. This reflects both the relative scarcity of San Francisco-minted coins in top condition and the steep premium collectors place on near-perfect examples. The Philadelphia issue in the same MS-68 grade reached $64,625, while the New Orleans counterpart graded MS-68 sold for $49,938.

It is also worth noting that proof coins hold strong positions on this list. The 1898 PR-68 achieved $32,900, and the PR-67 reached $31,350, demonstrating that proof strikes consistently attract serious collector interest regardless of mint mark. Across all varieties, coins graded 67 or higher dominate the top 10, reinforcing how significantly condition drives value at the upper end of the market.

 

History Of The 1898 Silver Dollar

The Morgan Silver Dollar was born out of economic necessity. After the Coinage Act of 1873 ended silver dollar production and placed the U.S. on the gold standard, Congress enacted the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, requiring the Treasury to purchase set amounts of silver for coinage.

This brought silver back into everyday American commerce and launched one of the most enduring coin series in U.S. history.

The series, however, did not run without interruption. The Bland-Allison Act was later replaced by the Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890, which increased silver purchasing requirements, but was repealed in 1893 amid the economic turmoil of the Panic of 1893. Production levels fluctuated throughout this period as a result.

By 1898, the landscape shifted again. Congress approved a bill requiring all remaining bullion purchased under the Sherman Silver Purchase Act to be coined into silver dollars.

This legislative decision directly drove the mintage of the 1898 Morgan Dollar across three mints. When those silver reserves were finally depleted in 1904, the Mint ceased striking the Morgan dollar altogether.

The 1898 issue, therefore, represents one of the final chapters of an era defined by the silver debate in American economic policy.

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

 

Is Your 1898 Silver Dollar Rare?

Not every 1898 Silver Dollar is equally rare. Rarity depends on the mint mark, surface designation, and grade. A coin that looks ordinary may turn out to be a scarce variety worth far more than expected. To find out exactly where your coin stands, check it on our Coin Value Checker App.

 

Key Features Of The 1898 Silver Dollar

The 1898 Silver Dollar shares the iconic Morgan Dollar design, created by George T. Morgan. Understanding its physical features helps you identify your coin accurately and assess its condition more confidently.

The Obverse Of The 1898 Silver Dollar

The obverse features a left-facing bust of Lady Liberty, designed by George T. Morgan. The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed on her headband, and she wears a crown of wheat and cotton blossoms.

Thirteen stars encircle the portrait, representing the original colonies. The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arcs across the top, and the date 1898 appears at the bottom.

The high points on the obverse include Liberty’s cheek and the curls of hair just above her ear, which are the first areas to show wear and are essential when grading the coin.

The Reverse Of The 1898 Silver Dollar

The reverse features a soaring eagle with outstretched wings, holding an olive branch and arrows in its talons. Inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “ONE DOLLAR,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

The motto “In God We Trust” is inscribed in gothic script above the eagle’s head.

The high points on the reverse include the eagle’s breast feathers and brow. The mint mark, if present, appears just above the word “DOLLAR.”

Other Features Of The 1898 Silver Dollar

The coin measures 38.1 millimeters across and weighs 26.73 grams. The edge is reeded, meaning it carries a series of parallel grooves. The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.

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

 

1898 Silver Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

The 1898 Silver Dollar was struck across three mints. Philadelphia produced the most coins at 5,884,000, followed by New Orleans at 4,440,000 and San Francisco at 4,102,000. Proof, CAM, and DCAM varieties each had a mintage of just 735 coins, produced exclusively for collectors.

Despite the differences in mintage, survival rates across the three business-strike varieties are strikingly consistent, all sitting at approximately 10%. This suggests that coins from each mint faced broadly similar conditions over time.

Proof-related varieties, however, show noticeably higher survival rates. The CAM designation leads at 40.82%, while standard Proof and DCAM both stand at around 20.41%.

Given their low original mintage and collector-oriented nature, these coins were more likely to be carefully preserved, which explains why a greater proportion has survived relative to business strikes.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1898 Silver Dollar Value

Knowing the value of your 1898 Silver Dollar comes down to a few key factors: the mint mark, the condition, and the specific variety. While this guide gives you a solid foundation, accurately grading a coin on your own can be challenging, especially without hands-on experience.

The quickest and most reliable way to check your coin’s value is to use the Coin Value Checker App, where you can get an instant estimate based on your coin’s specific details.

 

1898 Silver Dollar Value Guides

The 1898 Silver Dollar was issued in six distinct varieties, each with its own characteristics and collector appeal. Here is a quick overview of each type:

1898 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar — Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this is the most commonly found 1898 variety. The Philadelphia Mint typically produced sharply struck coins with average to above-average luster, making well-preserved examples attractive and accessible for collectors at most levels.

1898-O Silver Dollar — Produced at the New Orleans Mint. The New Orleans Mint often struggled with quality control, which led to weaker strikes. Sharply struck examples in higher grades are harder to find and tend to attract stronger collector interest.

1898-S Silver Dollar — Minted in San Francisco, this variety is considered the scarcest of the three business-strike issues. The 1898-S rapidly ascends in value with increasing grade compared to the Philadelphia and New Orleans issues, making high-grade examples particularly sought after.

1898 Proof Silver Dollar — Produced exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint for collectors, with a mintage of just 735 coins. Choice Gem proof 1898 Morgan dollars are rare but can be found in grades as high as PR68 or even PR69.

1898 CAM Silver Dollar — A proof strike featuring frosted design elements against reflective fields, creating a cameo contrast effect. CAM designated examples command significant premiums over standard proof strikes due to their visual distinction and relative scarcity.

1898 DCAM Silver Dollar — The Deep Cameo designation represents the highest level of contrast between the frosted devices and mirror-like fields. Deep cameo proofs are much scarcer than those with less-reflective fields, placing them at the top of the collector spectrum for this issue.

Each of these six varieties tells a different story in terms of rarity, strike quality, and collector demand. Whether you own a circulated business strike or a pristine proof, understanding which variety you have is the essential first step in determining its true value.

From the widely available Philadelphia issue to the elusive DCAM proof, the 1898 Silver Dollar offers something meaningful for collectors at every level.

 

1898 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar Value

The 1898 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a circulation mintage of 5,884,000 coins. It carries no mint mark, as Philadelphia did not use one during this period.

The coin is quite common in Mint State, with most examples grading between MS-60 and MS-63. At the MS-65 level it becomes slightly scarce, with an estimated 8,000 to 15,000 surviving at that grade or better.

Striking quality is generally sharp, and prooflike examples are plentiful, though DMPL coins are about twice as scarce. One notable aspect of this issue is its distribution history: large quantities were released by the Treasury in the 1950s and early 1960s, making Mint State examples widely available today.

At the top of the grading scale, the coin reaches MS-68. According to verified auction records, an MS-68 example sold at Heritage Auctions for $64,625, representing the highest known auction result for this variety.

The auction records below reflect how top-grade examples of this variety have performed over time.

Market activity data shows that collector interest in this variety has remained relatively consistent across recent months.

 

1898-O Silver Dollar Value

The 1898-O Silver Dollar was struck at the New Orleans Mint with a circulation mintage of 4,440,000 coins. Its history, however, is anything but ordinary.

Prior to the early 1960s, the 1898-O was considered one of the prime rarities in the Morgan Dollar series. After the massive Treasury release between 1962 and 1964, it became a common-date coin and remains so today at most grade levels.

Striking quality varies from sharp to weak depending on the coin, which is a known characteristic of New Orleans Mint production. Sharply struck examples in higher grades are harder to locate and tend to attract stronger collector interest. Prooflike coins are very common, with many thousands surviving, while DMPL examples are scarcer but still number in the thousands.

According to verified auction records, the highest known sale for a standard business-strike 1898-O graded MS-68 reached $21,850 at Heritage Auctions in January 2011, representing the top of the market for this variety in regular strike format.

The auction records below show how the 1898-O has performed at the top end of the grading scale over time.

Market activity data indicates that this variety continues to draw steady collector attention across recent months.

 

1898-S Silver Dollar Value

The 1898-S Silver Dollar was struck at the San Francisco Mint with a circulation mintage of 4,102,000 coins — the lowest of the three business-strike varieties from 1898.

In Mint State, the coin is readily available at lower grade levels, though it becomes noticeably elusive in higher numerical categories. Estimated survivors range from 20,000 to 40,000 in MS-60 through MS-62, dropping to just 1,000 to 1,800 at MS-65.

Striking quality varies — most examples are average or better, but some are weak. It pays to be selective when buying this date, particularly for higher-grade examples. Prooflike coins are fairly plentiful, while DMPL examples are somewhat less so and are exceedingly rare at MS-65 or higher.

The auction record for this variety stands at $117,500, achieved by an MS-68 example at Legend Rare Coin Auctions in October 2015 — the highest known sale for any 1898 business-strike Morgan Dollar.

The auction records below illustrate how sharply value escalates for this variety at the top end of the grading scale.

Market activity data suggests that the 1898-S attracts consistent collector interest, reflecting its status as the scarcest of the three 1898 business strikes.

 

1898 Proof Silver Dollar Value

The 1898 Proof Silver Dollar was struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint, with a mintage of just 735 coins. Unlike the business-strike varieties, proof coins were made individually using specially prepared dies and polished planchets, intended solely for collectors rather than circulation.

Most 1898 proof Morgan dollars exhibit cameo contrast. Even though deep cameo proofs are much scarcer than those with less-reflective fields, DCAMs are relatively well available among the 1898 proofs, with a few dozen grading PR65 or higher and perhaps a dozen in the grades of PR67 or better.

Across the board, Choice Gem proof 1898 Morgan dollars are rare but can be found in grades as high as PR68 or even PR69. This makes the 1898 proof a genuinely scarce coin at the top of the grading scale, though more accessible at mid-level proof grades than many other years in the series.

The highest recorded auction result for a standard proof 1898 Morgan Dollar is $32,900, achieved by a PR68 example at Legend Rare Coin Auctions in November 2023.

The auction records below trace how top-grade proof examples of this issue have performed over time.

Market activity data shows that collector interest in this proof variety remains present, though transactions are less frequent given its low surviving population.

 

1898 CAM Silver Dollar Value

The 1898 CAM Silver Dollar shares the same mintage of 735 coins as the standard proof, as all three proof designations — standard, CAM, and DCAM — were struck from the same production run. The CAM designation is assigned to coins that display a clear contrast between frosted design elements and reflective fields, a visual quality that goes beyond a standard proof finish.

The 1898 silver dollars are among the best-produced and highest-quality outputs of the Philadelphia Mint in the late 19th century. CAM-designated examples from this year are particularly valued for their strong contrast and overall eye appeal.

The highest recorded auction result for the 1898 CAM is $47,000, achieved by a PR68 Cameo example at Lyn Knight in June 2017 — reflecting just how much premium collectors place on well-preserved cameo contrast at the top of the grade scale.

The auction records below show how CAM-designated examples have performed across recent sales.

Market activity data indicates that the 1898 CAM draws selective but committed collector interest, consistent with its proof-only nature and limited surviving population.

 

1898 DCAM Silver Dollar Value

The 1898 DCAM represents the highest tier of the 1898 proof series. DCAM coins feature the most pronounced contrast between deeply frosted devices and mirror-like fields — a finish that is noticeably more dramatic than even standard cameo examples.

Deep cameo proofs are much scarcer than those with less-reflective fields. DCAMs are relatively well available among the 1898 proofs, with a few dozen grading PR65 or higher and perhaps a dozen in the grades of PR67 or better.

Proof Morgan dollars of this quality are seldom encountered from any date, which helps explain the strong demand this designation commands at auction. The highest recorded sale for the 1898 DCAM is $64,625, achieved by a PR68+ Deep Cameo example at Heritage Auctions in April 2017 — the top auction result across all six 1898 proof varieties.

The auction records below capture the price history of this top-tier 1898 proof designation over time.

Market activity data shows that the 1898 DCAM sees limited but high-value transactions, reflecting both its scarcity and the premium collectors place on the finest proof finishes.

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

 

Rare 1898 Silver Dollar Error List

No confirmed major error coins have been documented as specific to the 1898 Morgan Silver Dollar. However, like all coins in the Morgan series, certain types of mint errors are known to occur across the series and could potentially be found on 1898 examples.

If your coin shows an unusual feature, it is worth examining closely under magnification.

1. Die Cracks

Dies can crack during use, producing jagged, raised lines on the surface of subsequently struck coins. In U.S. coinage, many Morgan Dollar coins show slight die cracks. These raised lines appear on the finished coin wherever the crack ran across the die face.

Minor die cracks are relatively common and typically add only modest value, but larger, more dramatic cracks — particularly those running across major design elements — can attract collector interest.

2. Repunched Mintmark (RPM)

A repunched mintmark occurs when a die technician strikes the mintmark punch into a working die more than once. If the second strike lands in a slightly different position, it creates a doubled image of the mintmark.

On 1898-O and 1898-S coins, a careful look under magnification may reveal traces of a secondary mintmark impression near the primary one. The value premium depends on how visible and dramatic the doubling appears.

3. Doubled Die

A doubled die happens when a die receives a second, misaligned impression from the hub, leaving behind a shadow or doubled image on the coin. On Morgan Dollars, this doubling most commonly appears on the date, lettering, or Liberty’s features on the obverse.

Genuine doubled die errors should show clear, consistent doubling across the affected elements — not the shallow, flat-looking shift associated with machine doubling, which has no collector premium.

4. Off-Center Strike

An off-center error is created when the planchet is struck while not in perfect alignment with the dies. The result is a coin where part of the design is missing and a blank area of the planchet is visible.

Coins with a full date are more desirable than those missing digits, and the further off-center the strike, the greater the collector interest — provided the date remains visible.

5. Broadstrike

Broadstrike errors are produced when the collar die malfunctions. The collar normally prevents the metal from flowing outside the confines of the die. When it fails, the coin spreads outward and ends up wider than normal, with a plain, unformed edge.

On a Morgan Dollar, a broadstruck coin will appear noticeably flatter and wider, with a rim that lacks the usual definition. These errors are uncommon on large silver dollars, as quality control at the mint was generally stricter for higher-denomination coins.

 

Where To Sell Your 1898 Silver Dollar?

If you’re ready to sell your 1898 Silver Dollar, finding the right platform makes all the difference. We’ve put together a curated list of the best places to sell coins online, so you can compare your options and make an informed decision with confidence.

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

 

1898 Silver Dollar Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1898 Silver Dollar

1. How much is an 1898 Silver Dollar worth?

The value varies widely depending on the mint mark, condition, and variety. A standard Philadelphia issue ranges from around $84 in Good condition to approximately $192 in Mint State. A San Francisco example in Mint State averages around $5,788.

Proof variants average over $10,000. The highest recorded auction sale for any 1898 Morgan Dollar is $117,500 for an MS-68 San Francisco example.

2. How can I tell which mint struck my 1898 Silver Dollar?

Look on the reverse of the coin, just above the word “DOLLAR.” An “O” indicates New Orleans, and an “S” indicates San Francisco. If there is no mint mark, the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Philadelphia was the only mint in this era that did not use a mint mark on its coins.

3. What makes the 1898-S Silver Dollar more valuable than the other varieties?

The 1898-S has the lowest mintage of the three business-strike varieties at 4,102,000 coins. More importantly, it becomes significantly scarcer in higher Mint State grades, with only an estimated 1,000 to 1,800 surviving at MS-65 or better. Its value rises steeply with grade, making top-condition examples among the most sought after of all 1898 issues.

4. What is the difference between a Proof, CAM, and DCAM 1898 Silver Dollar?

All three share a mintage of 735 coins and were produced at Philadelphia exclusively for collectors. A standard Proof has reflective fields but no strong frosting contrast. A CAM features frosted design elements against reflective fields, creating visible cameo contrast. A DCAM takes that contrast further, with the most deeply frosted devices and mirror-like fields — the highest tier of the three designations.

5. Is the 1898 Silver Dollar rare?

It depends on the variety and grade. The Philadelphia business strike is relatively common in most grades. The 1898-S becomes genuinely scarce above MS-65.

Proof, CAM, and DCAM examples are rare across the board due to their mintage of only 735 coins each. At the very top of the grading scale, all varieties are rare regardless of mint.

6. What is the highest auction record for an 1898 Silver Dollar?

The single highest auction result for any 1898 Morgan Dollar is $117,500, achieved by an MS-68 example from the San Francisco Mint at Legend Rare Coin Auctions in October 2015. Among proof varieties, the top result is $64,625 for a PR68+ Deep Cameo example sold at Heritage Auctions in April 2017.

7. How many 1898 Silver Dollars have survived to today?

Survival rates for the three business-strike varieties are all roughly 10% of their original mintages. That translates to approximately 588,000 Philadelphia survivors, 444,000 from New Orleans, and 410,000 from San Francisco.

Proof-related varieties have higher survival rates, with the CAM designation estimated at around 40%, likely due to careful collector preservation over the decades.

8. Are there any known error coins for the 1898 Silver Dollar?

No confirmed major errors have been documented specifically for the 1898 Morgan Dollar. However, general Morgan series errors such as die cracks, repunched mintmarks, doubled dies, off-center strikes, and broadstrikes can potentially be found on 1898 examples.

If your coin shows an unusual feature, examine it under magnification and consider professional attribution.

9. Where is the mint mark located on an 1898 Silver Dollar?

The mint mark is located on the reverse of the coin, just above the letters “DO” in the word “DOLLAR,” which sits at the bottom of the design. An “O” indicates New Orleans and an “S” indicates San Francisco. A coin with no mark in that location was struck at the Philadelphia Mint.

10. Where can I sell my 1898 Silver Dollar?

Several reputable options exist, including professional coin dealers, numismatic auction houses such as Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers, coin shows, and specialized online platforms.

For the best result, having your coin professionally graded before selling is advisable, particularly for higher-grade or proof examples. You can also visit our curated list of the best places to sell coins online for a detailed comparison.