What is the value of an 1897 US silver dollar?

Answer 1

1897 is not a rare date for most grades and mint marks. Look on the back of the coin above the DO in DOLLAR to see if there's a small mint mark letter. There may be an O, S, or blank.

Numismedia lists the following approximate retail values as of 05/2009:

No mint mark:

Very worn condition - $16

Moderately worn - $18

Slightly worn - $20

Almost no wear - $23

A nice uncirculated one might sell for $35 or more.

S mint mark:

Very worn condition - $17

Moderately worn - $20

Slightly worn - $22

Almost no wear - $30

Uncirculated - $55+

O mint mark:

Very worn condition - $17

Moderately worn - $18

Slightly worn - $30

Almost no wear - $150

Uncirculated - $600+

E Pluribus UnumNearly ALL U.S. coins bear the motto "E Pluribus Unum" ("From many, one") so this is not a distinguishing characteristic of a coin. The denomination, date, mint mark, and condition are the most helpful characteristics to start with. AnswerAssuming this is a U.S. issued coin, this would be a Morgan Dollar. Morgan Dollars have a woman's face on the obverse, and an eagle and wreath on the reverse. The value would depend on the mintmark and the condition of the coin. The mintmark of such a coin can be found on the reverse, or back, beneath the wreath at the bottom of the coin. No mintmark signifies the coin was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, and, depending on condition, is valued anywhere from $22 to $2750. A coin with the O mintmark was minted at New Orleans and is valued between $25 and $50,000. An S mintmark means the coin was made in Denver and is worth $22-$650. A coin in exceptionally perfect condition can be worth much more, while a poor coin may be worth less. Any silver dollar from this year contains .77344 ounces of silver and, as such, is worth around $13.60 in bullion value.