1886 S$1

Description

1886 Morgan Dollar, Philadelphia Mint. This 1886-P Morgan Dollar represents one of the most significant production years in the history of the denomination, with a record-breaking mintage of 19,963,000 pieces struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Designed by George T. Morgan, this coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 26.73 grams with a diameter of 38.1mm and reeded edge, conforming to standard specifications for the Morgan Dollar series (1878-1921). Graded PCGS MS-67 (Certificate #54918334), this example represents a premium offering within the context of 1886 Philadelphia coinage. While the date is renowned for its extraordinary availability in circulated grades and common Mint State examples through MS-65, coins grading MS-66 and above become increasingly scarce. PCGS population data indicates only 214 coins graded higher than this specimen's MS-67, with a total population of 774 examples across all grades, underscoring the rarity of this premium level. The 1886 Philadelphia Mint dollars were extensively released from Treasury vaults during the 1950s and early 1960s, making the date ubiquitous in lower Mint State grades. However, gem examples such as this MS-67 demonstrate superior striking characteristics and luster that distinguish them from the typical hoarded coins. The wide variation in strike quality and surface characteristics noted among 1886 dollars makes careful selection essential, as sharply struck, lustrous gems command substantial premiums over average examples in the same technical grade.