1891-S $1 Morgan Dollar NGC MS62

Coin Specifications

• Type: Morgan Silver Dollar

• Date: 1891

• Mint: San Francisco (S mintmark)

• Mintage: 5,296,000 — a moderately low figure for the series

• Composition: 90% silver / 10% copper

• Total Weight: 26.73 g (~0.7734 ozt pure silver)

• Diameter: 38.1 mm

• Edge: Reeded

• Designer: George T. Morgan — Liberty on the obverse, eagle clutching arrows and olive branch on the reverse

 Historical Context

• The 1891-S issue served in the post–Bland-Allison Act era, a time when silver dollar mintage fluctuated.

• San Francisco’s production sought to meet bullion demands.

• Many coins were later buried or melted due to the Pittman Act; today’s MS survivors are a fraction of the original mintage (under ~10%)

 Grading & Rarity

• NGC MS62: Indicates uncirculated coin with moderate contact marks or minor surface issues. Clean, original finish but lacking high-end eye appeal

• PCGS estimates up to 40,000–70,000 coins exist in MS60–MS62, making it relatively common within survivor tiers

• Gems (MS65+) are far scarcer; top-tier coins can command significant premiums

Visual & Design Notes

• Obverse: Lady Liberty with a wreath and headband, surrounded by stars

• Reverse: Heraldic eagle holding arrows and olive branch, mintmark appears centrally above “DOLLAR”

• Typical MS62 traits: Clean strike, raw surfaces with contact marks, and average luster