1887 S$1

Description

1887 Morgan Dollar, Philadelphia Mint, PCGS MS-67. This exceptional 1887 Morgan dollar represents one of the most significant issues in the entire Morgan series, combining record-breaking mintage with impressive eye appeal in this premium grade. The Philadelphia Mint produced an astounding 20,290,000 pieces in 1887—the highest mintage for any Morgan dollar up to that time—utilizing 55 obverse and 54 reverse dies in the process. Composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, this coin displays the classic design by George T. Morgan and retains its original reeded edge. Graded PCGS MS-67 (Certificate #25281756), this specimen places it well above the typical quality found in this issue. While the 1887 is renowned for its extraordinary availability in Mint State grades due to extensive Treasury releases throughout the twentieth century, examples exhibiting the sharp striking and lustrous surfaces characteristic of this grade are notably more selective. The population data reflects this hierarchy: of 359 total PCGS-graded examples, only 53 have achieved higher grades than MS-67, underscoring this coin's superior quality within the context of an otherwise common date. The historical significance of the 1887 cannot be overstated. As the most plentiful Morgan dollar of the early period (1878-1904), millions of pieces survive today, many preserved in Mint State from the legendary Continental-Illinois Bank hoard and subsequent Treasury releases. However, the satiny to greasy luster typical of Philadelphia Mint striking varies considerably among individual specimens, making cherrypicking for quality both advisable and rewarding. This piece exemplifies the best of what the 1887 has to offer to the discerning collector seeking premium quality from the most productive year of the Morgan series.