This depends on if it is a Morgan or Trade dollar. The majority of such coins are Morgan dollars, recognizable by the portrait of Miss Liberty on the front and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse.
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 a CC, 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 09/2014:
No mint mark (Philadelphia):
Very worn condition - $29
Moderately worn - $29
Slightly worn - $31
Almost no wear - $36
Uncirculated - $53 to $35,750 depending on quality
"CC" mint mark (Carson City):
Very worn - $127
Moderately worn - $192
Slightly worn - $336
Almost no wear - $2,238
Uncirculated - $4,260 to $103,130
"O" mint mark (New Orleans):
Very worn - $29
Moderately worn - $29
Slightly worn - $31
Almost no wear - $48
Uncirculated - $96 to $20,310
"S" mint mark (San Francisco):
Very worn - $29
Moderately worn - $29
Slightly worn - $31
Almost no wear - $36
Uncirculated - $50 to $4,220
In addition the CC and S mints struck more than one variety of this coin; the two varieties can differ by several dollars in price depending on the coin's condition. If you have a coin from either of these 2 mints it's best to have it inspected in person by an expert dealer or appraiser.
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 dollars
E 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.
Please check your bill again and post a new, separate question. There were no federally-issued silver certificates dated 1879, just $1 silver coins.
It is made of 90% silver and 10% copper.
The 1879-S Morgan is very common, retail for circulated coins runs from $17.00-$26.00 Mint State examples are about $35.00
what is the current value of an 1878 silver dollar
It's a Trade Dollar not a Morgan dollar. If you look at the back of the coin, the phrase "Trade Dollar" is under the eagle. As to value, take it to a coin dealer for an assessment it may not be genuine. The entire series is known to have had copy's and fakes made.
Please check your bill again and post a new, separate question. There were no federally-issued silver certificates dated 1879, just $1 silver coins.
It is made of 90% silver and 10% copper.
The 1879-S Morgan is very common, retail for circulated coins runs from $17.00-$26.00 Mint State examples are about $35.00
This depends on if it is a Morgan or Trade dollar.
If the coin has a mintmark, it's on the reverse above the letters DO in dollar.
A real silver dollar has a $25.00 value just for the silver.
what is the current value of an 1878 silver dollar
It's a Trade Dollar not a Morgan dollar. If you look at the back of the coin, the phrase "Trade Dollar" is under the eagle. As to value, take it to a coin dealer for an assessment it may not be genuine. The entire series is known to have had copy's and fakes made.
Sorry no US silver dollar coins dated 1826
No US silver dollars were made after 1935, look at the back of the coin for 'Half Dollar'.
The US never printed 100 dollar silver certificates with this date.
current silver troy ounce value