1891-S S$1

Description

1891-S Morgan Dollar, PCGS MS-65. This exceptional example of the 1891-S Morgan dollar represents a significant offering from San Francisco's prolific coinage year. Struck from one of 27 obverse and reverse die pairs utilized during the year, this piece exhibits the sharp striking and attractive luster characteristic of the finest 1891-S dollars. The coin displays the technical specifications standard to the series: 90% silver composition, reeded edge, and the distinctive "S" mintmark denoting its San Francisco origin from a total mintage of 5,296,000 pieces. The MS-65 grade places this coin in a notably scarce category within the 1891-S population. While lower Mint State grades (MS-60 to MS-62) are estimated to exist in quantities of 40,000 to 70,000 pieces, the MS-65 designation represents a significant rarity, with an estimated 1,600 to 2,600 examples believed to exist. PCGS has graded 635 examples of the 1891-S dollar overall, with only 204 certified in higher grades than this specimen (PCGS Certificate #55897787). The 1891-S maintains strong collector appeal due to its well-documented hoard history. Substantial quantities of Uncirculated examples were released from the San Francisco Mint between 1941 and the early 1950s, though supplies diminished considerably by the mid-1950s. Most Mint State examples are notably well-struck with excellent luster, though lower grades often display bagmarks from storage. This MS-65 example represents an attractive balance of quality and rarity for the serious Morgan dollar collector.