What is the value of an 1896 US silver dollar?

Answer 1

1896 is a common date for Morgan Dollars. Look on the back of the coin to see if there's a small mint mark letter above the DO in DOLLAR. It may be blank or there may be an O or S. (The M on the front of the coin is the designer's monogram and not a mint mark.)

Numismedia lists the following approximate retail values as of 10/2011:

No mint mark (Philadelphia):

Very worn condition - $31

Moderately worn - $32

Slightly worn - $33

Almost no wear - $36

Uncirculated - $47 to $5,310 depending on quality

"O" mint mark (New Orleans):

Very worn - $36

Moderately worn - $39

Slightly worn - $43

Almost no wear - $186

Uncirculated - $1,290 to $468,750

"S" mint mark (San Francisco):

Very worn - $36

Moderately worn - $39

Slightly worn - $62

Almost no wear - $722

Uncirculated - $1,620 to $150,000

DISCLAIMER: The retail values quoted are the best available as of the date shown, but may vary significantly due to changes in the precious metals market. Also the wholesale (buying) price of a coin will be less than the selling (retail) price. A reputable coin dealer will be able to give a more accurate valuation based on inspection of the coin.

FAQ's about Morgan dollarsE Pluribus Unum

The motto E Pluribus Unum (Latin for "Out of Many, One") is on ALL $1 coins minted since 1878 so that's not specific enough to ID any one coin.

Silver Eagles

Silver eagles are bullion coins minted since 1986 for sale to collectors but not for spending. Morgan dollars were made for use in ordinary circulation just like dimes and quarters.

Answer 2

Assuming the coin is circulated, the 1896-S Morgan dollar is a scarce date/mint of the series. For an accurate assessment of value the coin needs to be seen and graded. Most coins are Mint State. In general retail values for low grade coins are $30.00-$40.00, better grade are $60.00-$230.00 and coins showing almost no wear run from $760.00-$990.00. Values are a market average and only for coins in collectible condition, coins that are bent, corroded, scratched, used as jewelery or have been cleaned have far less value if any to a collector or dealer.