An iconic piece of American coinage, the 1884 issue represents a significant year in the production of a widely collected silver dollar series. These coins, composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, were authorized by the Bland-Allison Act of 1878 and were minted for general circulation. Their face value was one dollar, but their intrinsic and collectible values significantly exceed that amount today.
This particular year’s issue benefits from its relatively high mintage numbers, making it generally more accessible to collectors than some other years in the series. However, factors such as mint mark (or lack thereof), condition, and strike quality heavily influence its value. The New Orleans and Carson City mints produced examples that can carry substantial premiums, while coins in uncirculated condition command the highest prices due to their pristine preservation of design details and luster. The historical context surrounding its creation, during a period of westward expansion and debates over monetary policy, adds to its allure.
