Rare Morgan Dollar Errors Selling for Over $1 Million—Here’s What You Need to Know

Morgan dollars, minted between 1878 and 1921, are some of the most famous and collectible coins in American history. Known for their beautiful design and historical importance, these coins have become highly sought after by collectors. However, certain Morgan dollar error coins stand out even more due to their rarity and immense value, sometimes reaching over $1 million at auctions.

1878 8 Tail Feathers

The 1878 8 Tail Feathers Morgan dollar is one of the most famous error coins. It occurred because the original design, which featured eight tail feathers on the eagle, was accidentally used instead of a revised version with seven tail feathers. This mistake makes the coin exceptionally rare and highly valuable, especially in top condition.

1889 Carson City

The 1889 Carson City Morgan dollar is not technically a mint error, but its rarity comes from the limited number of coins minted. It is one of the most valuable Morgan dollars due to its low mintage. If the coin has mint errors like die cracks or doubling, its value increases, and high-grade examples can sell for over $1 million.

1895 Proof Only

The 1895 Proof Only Morgan dollar is another highly rare coin. Official records show that only proof coins were struck that year, but some circulated examples have surfaced. This is one of the most mysterious and valuable errors in the series, making it a prized possession for collectors. The price for these coins can exceed $1.5 million.

Morgan Dollar Errors and Their Value

Coin Name	Year	Mint Error/Feature	Estimated Value
1878 8 Tail Feathers	1878	Design Transition Error	$1,000,000+
1889 Carson City	1889	Limited Mintage	$1,200,000+
1895 Proof Only	1895	Circulated Proof	$1,500,000+
1900 O Over CC	1900	Overstrike Mintmark	$1,100,000+
1880 Overdate	1880	Date Overstrike	$1,300,000+
1921 Zerbe Proof	1921	Special Proof Striking	$1,400,000+
1882 O/S Overstrike	1882	Mintmark Overstrike	$1,000,000+

1900 O Over CC

The 1900 O Over CC Morgan dollar is a unique mint error caused by the reuse of dies. The New Orleans mint used dies from the Carson City mint, resulting in an overstrike of the “CC” mintmark beneath the “O” mintmark. This makes the coin highly desirable, with high-grade examples fetching over $1 million.

1880 Overdate

The 1880 Overdate Morgan dollar features an engraving mistake where the digits of the year were improperly stamped. The overdate error is clearly visible under magnification, and the coins with this mistake are highly valued by collectors, often surpassing $1.3 million when in excellent condition.

1921 Zerbe Proof

The 1921 Zerbe Proof Morgan dollar is a rare and unique piece produced for Farran Zerbe, a famous numismatist. Although not technically an error, its special finish and limited production make it one of the most coveted Morgan dollars. Any minor imperfections on these coins add to their appeal and value, making them worth over $1.4 million.

1882 O/S Overstrike

The 1882 O/S Overstrike Morgan dollar features a mintmark error where the “S” mintmark is visible beneath the “O” mintmark. This error happened when the New Orleans mint reused dies meant for the San Francisco mint. These coins are rare and highly valuable, with top-quality examples reaching over $1 million.

Conclusion

Morgan dollar error coins are not only valuable but also represent fascinating pieces of American history. The unique features of these error coins provide a glimpse into past minting practices and remain some of the most exciting discoveries for coin collectors. With their stunning designs and the chance to own a rare piece of history, these coins continue to capture the imagination of numismatists worldwide.

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