1899 S$1

Description

# 1899 Morgan Dollar, Philadelphia Mint, PCGS MS-66. A Scarce Date with Strong Historical Appeal. This exceptional 1899 Morgan dollar represents one of the most historically significant and numerically scarce dates in the entire Morgan dollar series. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a mintage of just 330,000 pieces—one of the lowest figures in the series—the 1899 has long captivated collectors and investors. The coin's rarity in circulated grades is particularly noteworthy; it is among the top dozen most elusive pieces in the series, with an estimated 6,000 to 12,000 examples surviving in worn condition. Early numismatist E.S. Thresher, searching diligently since 1919, had not located a single circulated example by 1925, making the 1899 one of the great rarities in everyday commerce. Technical Details and Condition. This specimen has been certified by PCGS as MS-66, placing it squarely in the desirable upper-Mint State range. The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighs 26.73 grams, and features the reeded edge characteristic of the series. Designed by George T. Morgan, the 1899 displays the artistic merit and historical significance that defines this iconic American coinage. At the MS-66 level, this piece ranks well within the estimated population of 2,500 to 5,000 examples grading MS-65 or better, with current PCGS records showing 148 coins graded higher and 398 total certified across all grades. Market Significance and Collector Appeal. The 1899's appeal extends far beyond its low mintage. While significant quantities emerged from Treasury hoards during the 1950s and 1962-1964 dispersals—particularly from Nevada, Montana, and California—the date never achieved common status and remains genuinely scarce in the upper Mint State grades represented here. The striking quality varies considerably across the issue, ranging from weak and dull to sharp and frosty; this certified example provides the collector with confidence in both authenticity and grade. As a semi-key date with strong fundamentals and