1897 Morgan Dollar
Base
About This Coin
The 1897 Morgan Dollar is a United States dollar from the Morgan Dollars 1878-1921 series — 20th of 28 years in the series. In 1897, coins were struck at the San Francisco, New Orleans, and Philadelphia Mints with a combined mintage of 12.7 million. This ranks 7th of 28 years by total mintage, below the series median of 28.0 million. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton, encircled by stars and the reverse displays an eagle with outstretched wings clutching an olive branch and arrows, surrounded by a wreath. Struck during the Gilded Age of rapid industrialization and the great silver debates, when monetary policy shaped elections and economic destiny. Weighing 26.73 grams, 38.1 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have cataloged 83 known die varieties for this date. Struck two years after the 1895 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $87 to $75K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $348K in MS67 grade at Stack's Bowers. Designed by George T. Morgan.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
