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The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1882 MS65PL NGC is an exceptionally high-grade example of a classic 19th-century silver dollar, distinguished by its brilliant preservation, dazzling luster, and prooflike (PL) surfaces. Graded MS65PL by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company), this coin ranks in the upper tier of Mint State survivors, exhibiting both full strike detail and the deep reflectivity characteristic of early strikes from newly polished dies. The 1882 Morgan Dollar, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, is a popular choice among collectors due to its availability in Mint State, but true Gem Prooflike specimens like this MS65PL are significantly scarcer and more desirable.
The obverse of the coin features George T. Morgan’s iconic portrait of Lady Liberty facing left, adorned with a Phrygian cap and a coronet inscribed with “LIBERTY.” Her hair is intertwined with cotton bolls and wheat stalks, symbolizing the strength and unity of American agriculture. Above her head is the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and thirteen stars, representing the original colonies, line the lower half of the design along with the date “1882.” In MS65PL condition, Liberty’s cheek, curls, and coronet exhibit full, crisp detail, with the cheek showing only the faintest contact marks. The fields surrounding the portrait are deeply mirrored and highly reflective, showing the clarity and depth typically associated with early proof strikings, though this is a business strike coin.
The reverse displays a majestic heraldic eagle, wings spread wide, holding arrows and an olive branch in its talons. A laurel wreath surrounds the lower half of the design, and above the eagle’s head is the Gothic-style motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Encircling the rim are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR.” In this MS65PL example, the eagle’s breast, wings, and leg feathers are sharply defined, with rich frost contrasting beautifully against the mirrored fields. The entire reverse is enveloped in shimmering brilliance, offering a strong cameo-like effect that enhances the coin’s visual impact and adds to its collectibility.
Struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, the 1882 Morgan Dollar weighs 26.73 grams and has a diameter of 38.1 millimeters. It contains 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver. As a product of the Philadelphia Mint, the coin bears no mintmark, distinguishing it from its Carson City (CC), New Orleans (O), and San Francisco (S) counterparts from the same year. The Philadelphia Mint was responsible for over 11 million Morgan dollars in 1882, but only a small fraction of these survive in true Gem condition with prooflike surfaces, as such characteristics are typically found only on early die state coins before the die fields became abraded through use.
The MS65PL grade from NGC certifies that the coin is fully uncirculated, with exceptional preservation and no wear. MS65 indicates a Gem Mint State coin with strong luster, a sharp strike, and only a few small, well-hidden contact marks. The PL (Prooflike) designation is awarded when both sides of the coin exhibit at least two to four inches of mirrored reflectivity, and when the coin displays the dramatic visual contrast typically reserved for proofs. This designation is not given lightly and significantly increases the desirability and value of the coin, particularly when paired with a Gem Mint State numerical grade.
Visually, the 1882 MS65PL Morgan Dollar is captivating. The mirror-like fields are smooth and reflective, contrasting elegantly with the frosty devices and enhancing the depth of every element in the design. Coins with the PL designation tend to show a pronounced "black and white" or cameo effect, and this example is no exception. Its surfaces glow under light, with cartwheel luster radiating across both sides, and the lack of noticeable flaws or discoloration affirms its superior preservation. Collectors often prize such coins not only for their technical grade but also for their unmatched aesthetic appeal.
Historically, the Morgan Silver Dollar was authorized by the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, requiring the U.S. Treasury to purchase millions of ounces of silver annually and strike them into coinage to support western silver mining interests. The 1882 issue reflects the height of this policy, when silver dollars were produced in massive quantities, much of which remained in vaults for decades. Many 1882 Morgan dollars were released into circulation much later or distributed through GSA sales. The Philadelphia Mint coins, however, were often stored long-term and thus survive in relatively high numbers, though finding them with prooflike fields and in Gem condition remains a challenge.
The 1882 MS65PL Morgan Dollar represents a sweet spot in the Morgan series—readily identifiable, accessible in lower grades, but elusive and elite in Gem Prooflike condition. Collectors value this date for its affordability relative to rarer counterparts, yet top-grade examples like this one remain scarce and highly sought after. The combination of a prestigious numerical grade and a coveted surface designation places this coin in a premium category that appeals to Morgan dollar enthusiasts, type collectors, and investors alike.
Today, the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1882 MS65PL NGC stands as an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a high-grade, visually impressive Morgan dollar with undeniable character and market appeal. Its deep mirrors, frosted reliefs, and virtually pristine surfaces make it a standout piece in any collection. Whether added to a complete Morgan dollar set, a U.S. type collection, or held as a beautiful and tangible representation of 19th-century American silver coinage, this MS65PL specimen offers a rare blend of beauty, history, and numismatic excellence.