Morgan Silver Dollar
1895-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-63 (PCGS).
Mottled sandy-apricot, reddish-russet and champagne-pink enhance a base of antique silver gray patina on both sides of this boldly original coin. Sharply struck throughout with a full endowment of frosty mint luster. A key date Morgan dollar in all grades, the 1895-S has a paltry mintage of just 400,000 pieces with only eight circulation strike issues of the type produced in more limited numbers. It was an issue of utility, and examples were fed into circulation gradually for years after striking. While a few bags did become available directly from the San Francisco Mint in the 1950s, this never amounted to any significant quantity and examples remained overall scarce in the market. The 1895-S represents a major hurdle for the advanced Morgan dollar collector not only because of its overall elusiveness, but also because it is a formidable condition rarity. Writing in the 1993 book Silver Dollars & Trade Dollars of the United States: A Complete Encyclopedia, Volume Two, Q. David Bowers states: "Ask a silver dollar dealer this question: What two Morgan dollar issues usually are seen heavily bagmarked? The answer is apt to be: 1893-CC and 1895-S." The offered example is remarkably smooth for both the issue and the assigned grade, and it is sure to catch the eye of astute Morgan dollar enthusiasts.
PCGS# 7238. NGC ID: 255Z.
From the Abigail Collection.
Estimate: $4000