1881-S $1 Morgan Dollar PCGS MS64

Grade and Condition:

• MS64 (Mint State 64) is a high-grade uncirculated coin. This grade indicates that the coin has some light imperfections, such as small contact marks or hairlines, but still retains much of its original luster and sharp detail. The coin would appear almost flawless to the naked eye, with only very minor imperfections visible under magnification.
• MS64 is a desirable grade for collectors, as it offers a balance of high quality without the price tag associated with higher-grade coins like MS65 or MS70.

Mintage and Rarity:

• The 1881-S Morgan Dollar was minted in San Francisco, as denoted by the “S” mintmark. This particular date had a relatively high mintage of around 12.6 million coins, making it more common compared to other Morgan Dollar years.
• However, despite the higher mintage, the 1881-S is still highly sought after in higher grades like MS64 due to its good overall quality and the strong demand for well-preserved coins in the series.

Design:

• The obverse of the Morgan Dollar features a bust of Lady Liberty, designed by George T. Morgan, with her hair tied in a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.”
• The reverse displays a majestic eagle, wings spread, holding arrows and an olive branch. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are inscribed around the eagle, with the coin’s one dollar denomination prominently displayed.

Market Appeal:

• The 1881-S Morgan Dollar is one of the more available dates in the series, but higher-grade examples like the MS64 still command a premium because they offer excellent visual appeal and are less common than lower-grade coins.
• PCGS MS64 is considered an excellent grade for Morgan Dollars, especially when compared to coins in grades like AU (about uncirculated) or lower MS grades. It offers a nice balance of affordability and quality for serious collectors.

Silver Content:

• Like all Morgan Dollars, the 1881-S coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, giving it both numismatic and intrinsic value. The price of silver can influence the coin’s overall value, but collectors often focus on the coin’s condition, rarity, and historical significance when determining its worth.

Value:

• The 1881-S Morgan Dollar in MS64 is a solid investment for collectors looking for a well-preserved example of the series. While not as rare as some other dates in the Morgan series, it is still a desirable coin in high-quality grades. The value of this coin can vary depending on market conditions, but it generally commands a premium over more common, lower-grade examples.

This 1881-S MS64 Morgan Dollar is a fantastic choice for collectors who appreciate both quality and the historical significance of the Morgan Dollar series. It would fit well into a collection of U.S. silver coins or as part of a Morgan Dollar set.