Most valuable 1888 silver dollar (Rarest sold for $90,000)

The 1888 Morgan Silver Dollar Overview

[{"selector":"#anim-c6978b7c-2be6-4b8e-abf3-5b5ce0e79114","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1200,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-16960591-f4e8-41d7-904a-eb7b1795d99b","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, -95.58865%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":1200,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] The 1888 Morgan Dollar, named after designer George T. Morgan, is one of the most collected coins in American numismatics. Millions were minted, but certain variations are extremely rare.

Key Mint Locations

[{"selector":"#anim-bce42808-58cd-4b6e-9877-efb612b46b29","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1200,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-7df7f05c-c83b-4356-a017-089f3800c3aa","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, -100.05514%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":1200,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Morgan Dollars from 1888 were minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans ("O"), and San Francisco ("S"). Generally, the Philadelphia 1888 coins hold the most hidden rarities.

The 1888 "Hot Lips" Variety

[{"selector":"#anim-e3614b8f-e83b-4df8-8f9e-cbed4dba4cc9","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1200,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-900c9fee-00f4-4a91-9d54-9edc49f276e4","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, -100.05514%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":1200,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] One of the most famous errors is the 1888-O "Hot Lips" Morgan Dollar , where a doubled die causes Lady Liberty’s lips to appear doubled — a striking and desirable error.

Rarest Find: 1888-O "Double Die Obverse"

[{"selector":"#anim-515686ae-8d26-440f-aa47-26079901b95e","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1200,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-8e9c133d-c73b-4b75-bcc6-8670b9733b95","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, -100.05514%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":1200,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] The 1888-O Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) version is extremely rare and sought after by serious collectors. Only a handful of high-grade examples exist.

Record Sale of $90,000

[{"selector":"#anim-350d28a6-8d66-4a9a-9716-4e62cd74c651","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1200,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-24fa1dfa-06a1-4012-978b-6d9656f32578","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, -100.05514%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":1200,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] In 2015, an exceptionally well-preserved 1888-O "Hot Lips" Morgan Dollar graded MS65 by PCGS sold at auction for over $90,000 , setting a high-water mark for this variety.

What Makes It Valuable

[{"selector":"#anim-a50f2441-3f91-4119-86ec-44cb436da49c","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1200,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e98ee7e0-79c1-4887-b796-ea06df68cab0","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, -100.05514%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":1200,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Factors like strong doubling, mint state condition (MS65+), excellent luster, and original toning can massively boost the coin's value. Lesser grades or cleaned coins are worth far less.

How to Spot a Valuable 1888 Dollar

[{"selector":"#anim-6d5e68b0-7e45-4fd4-b691-be381726b44a","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1200,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-14d186b7-06e2-40e0-9848-03ccab250410","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, -100.05514%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":1200,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Collectors should look for clear signs of doubling on the lips, nose, and chin. Authentication by major graders (PCGS, NGC) is essential for realizing top market value.