Key Features:
- Obverse:
- Depicts a left-facing Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap with “LIBERTY” on a ribbon. The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” encircles the top, with the date “1888” at the bottom.
- Reverse:
- Shows a bald eagle with wings outstretched, clutching arrows and an olive branch, representing both military preparedness and peace. Surrounding the eagle are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR.” The “S” mintmark (for San Francisco) is located just below the eagle’s tail feathers.
- Composition:
- 90% silver and 10% copper, with a total silver content of approximately 0.7734 troy ounces.
- Diameter: 38.1 mm.
- Weight: 26.73 grams.
Grade:
- PCGS AU55 (Almost Uncirculated 55):
- AU55 is a high grade in the Almost Uncirculated range, meaning the coin has minimal wear on the high points but retains most of its original detail and luster.
- Wear is typically seen on the high points of Liberty’s cheek and the eagle’s breast feathers, but the rest of the design elements remain well-defined and sharp.
- Luster is often still present, especially in the fields and around the rims of the coin, contributing to its eye appeal.
Mintage & Scarcity:
- Mintage: The 1888-S Morgan Dollar had a mintage of 657,000, which is relatively low compared to other Morgan Dollar issues. This makes it more challenging to find, particularly in higher grades such as AU55 and above.
- While not as rare as some key dates in the series, it is still considered a semi-key date due to its lower production numbers.
Market Appeal:
- Desirability: The 1888-S is a sought-after date for Morgan Dollar collectors, especially in higher grades like AU55, which still presents much of the coin’s original detail and luster.
- San Francisco Mint coins are often more highly regarded for their sharp strikes compared to other mints. This, combined with the scarcity of the 1888-S issue, adds to its appeal among numismatists.
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