At Northern Nevada Coin, we often use the term common date when discussing Morgan Dollars, but for newer collectors, that phrase deserves a clear explanation.

A “common date” Morgan Dollar refers to an issue that was struck in large quantities and survives today in relatively high numbers, particularly in circulated grades and lower-to-mid Mint State grades. These coins are readily available in the marketplace and are not scarce based on date alone.

That said, “common” does not mean uninteresting or undesirable. In fact, many common date Morgans are among the most actively traded and widely collected U.S. coins.

Common Date vs. Common Grade

An important nuance:

A date can be common overall but scarce in higher grades.

For example, an 1881-S Morgan Dollar is plentiful in MS-63 and MS-64, but becomes significantly scarcer and more expensive in MS-67. When we say “common date,” we’re usually speaking in the context of typical collector grades, not conditional rarities.

Why Common Date Morgans Show Less Volatility

Because common date Morgan Dollars have:

• Broad collector demand

• Deep, well-established pricing history

• Abundant population data from grading services

…their prices are influenced less by short-term silver fluctuations and more by collector-market fundamentals. This is why, even as silver prices have moved dramatically, graded common date Morgans often show measured, incremental price changes rather than sharp spikes or drops.

A Practical Entry Point into Numismatics

For investors and collectors alike, graded common date Morgan dollars occupy a unique space:

• More stable than raw bullion

• Less speculative than key dates

• Easier to buy, sell, and understand

They offer a tangible way to participate in precious metals ownership without being fully exposed to the day-to-day volatility of silver prices. Here at Northern Nevada Coin we find that common date Morgan dollars strike a balance that continues to appeal to both seasoned numismatists and thoughtful new collectors.