The 1888-O Scarface Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $30 in heavily worn condition to well over $2,000 or more in high mint state grades — and certain varieties can fetch even higher prices among serious collectors. If you’ve come across one of these old silver dollars and noticed something a little unusual about the coin’s face, you may be sitting on a genuinely exciting piece of American numismatic history. Read on to find out exactly what you’ve got.
What Is the 1888-O Scarface Morgan Dollar?
The 1888-O Morgan Dollar was struck at the New Orleans Mint, as indicated by the “O” mintmark found on the reverse. But what sets the “Scarface” variety apart is a dramatic die gouge — a deep, raised scratch-like line — that runs across Lady Liberty’s cheek on the obverse side. It almost looks like a scar, hence the nickname “Scarface.”
This die gouge was caused by a damaged or improperly prepared die used during production. Because it’s a permanent feature of the die itself (not just one coin), every coin struck from that die carries the same mark. That consistency is exactly what makes it a recognized and collectible variety rather than just a damaged coin.
If you’re not sure whether your coin has this feature, a good coin identifier and value app can help you compare your coin to known examples and confirm the variety quickly from your smartphone.
How Much Is the 1888-O Scarface Morgan Dollar Worth?
The value of this coin depends heavily on its condition, also called its “grade.” A coin that’s been sitting in a pocket for decades will be worth far less than one that’s been carefully stored. Here’s a general value breakdown:
| Grade / Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $30 – $45 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $55 – $90 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $100 – $175 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-58) | $200 – $400 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $600 – $1,200 |
| Mint State (MS-65+) | $2,000 and up |
The Scarface variety typically commands a modest premium over standard 1888-O Morgan Dollars, especially among variety collectors who specialize in die errors and VAM (Van Allen-Mallis) listings.
For up-to-date auction records and price trends, you can check out the 1888 Morgan Dollar price data across mint state grades to see what real buyers are paying right now.
How to Identify the Scarface Variety on Your Coin
The key to identifying the Scarface Morgan Dollar is finding that raised die gouge on Liberty’s cheek. It runs diagonally across the face and is clearly visible under a loupe or magnifying glass.
Here’s what to look for:
– A raised (not incuse) line across Lady Liberty’s cheek
– The mintmark “O” on the reverse, just above the “DO” in DOLLAR
– The date 1888 on the obverse, below Liberty’s chin
Keep in mind that a scratch on just your single coin is not the same thing. The Scarface marking is a raised line because it comes from a gouge in the die, not from post-mint damage. If your line is recessed or irregular, it may just be a damaged coin — still silver, but not the collectible variety.
Using CoinHix is a fast and reliable way to look up this variety and compare details before heading to a dealer or auction house.
Is the 1888-O Morgan Dollar a Good Investment?
Morgan Dollars in general have remained popular with collectors for over a century, and the 1888-O Scarface is one of those coins that carries both historical charm and variety appeal. The 1888-O had a mintage of about 12,150,000 coins — not a rare date in terms of overall production — but the Scarface variety narrows that field considerably.
High-grade examples are genuinely tough to find, especially those graded MS-64 and above. For collectors on a budget, even a mid-grade Scarface in VF or EF condition makes a great addition to a Morgan Dollar set.
If you want to dig deeper into the full range of 1888 silver dollar values across all grades and mintmarks, it’s worth bookmarking that resource for future reference.
CoinHix also lets you track the market value of coins in your collection over time — which is particularly handy if you plan to sell or insure your coins down the road.
Where to Sell or Get Your 1888-O Scarface Morgan Dollar Appraised
If you believe you have a Scarface variety in decent condition, your best options include:
– Submitting it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication and grading
– Selling through a reputable coin auction such as Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers
– Visiting a local coin dealer (bring comparable sales data so you know what to expect)
– Listing on eBay with clear high-resolution photos showing the die gouge
Always get at least two or three opinions before selling. A coin that one dealer passes on may be exactly what another collector is hunting for.
FAQ About the 1888-O Scarface Morgan Dollar
Q: How do I know if my coin is the real Scarface variety and not just a scratched coin?
A: The Scarface die gouge is a raised line across Liberty’s cheek, caused by damage to the die used to mint the coin. A post-mint scratch on your coin will be recessed (cut into the surface), not raised. Use a 5x–10x loupe in good lighting to tell the difference, or use CoinHix to compare images of authenticated examples.
Q: Does the “O” mintmark affect the value compared to other 1888 Morgan Dollars?
A: Yes. The 1888-O is one of three mint locations for that year, alongside Philadelphia (no mintmark) and San Francisco (S). The New Orleans mint is associated with the Scarface variety specifically, so the “O” mintmark is essential — without it, you just have a regular 1888 Morgan Dollar.
Q: Should I clean my 1888-O Morgan Dollar before selling it?
A: No — never clean a coin before selling or getting it appraised. Cleaning removes the natural patina and surface luster that collectors and graders look for, and it can dramatically reduce a coin’s grade and value. Even a coin that looks dirty may be worth far more left untouched than after a well-meaning cleaning.