-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 56347
Checkout
The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1883-S AU58 ANACS is an especially desirable issue from the San Francisco Mint, notable for its scarcity in higher grades and its historical significance within the Morgan Dollar series. Struck in the fifth year of Morgan Dollar production, the 1883-S holds a unique place among collectors due to its relatively low mintage and its status as one of the more elusive dates to find in near-Mint State condition. Graded AU58 by ANACS, this coin hovers just below uncirculated status, displaying nearly full detail and luster while showing only the faintest signs of wear, typically visible only under magnification. For many collectors, AU58 represents the ideal balance of eye appeal and affordability for scarcer issues like the 1883-S.
The Morgan Dollar series was first authorized by the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, a federal law mandating the large-scale purchase and coinage of domestic silver. Designed by George T. Morgan, a British-born engraver for the U.S. Mint, the series ran from 1878 through 1904 and briefly returned in 1921. Morgan’s design marked a departure from the classical Liberty portraits of the past, choosing instead to model Liberty after Anna Willess Williams, an American woman whose features were seen as emblematic of American beauty. On the obverse of the coin, Liberty wears a Phrygian cap inscribed with “LIBERTY” and adorned with cotton and wheat—symbols of national unity. The inscriptions “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and the date “1883” encircle the central portrait, along with thirteen stars.
The reverse features a powerful American eagle, wings spread and clutching arrows and an olive branch, with a laurel wreath beneath. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR” frame the image, with “IN GOD WE TRUST” placed above the eagle’s head in Gothic script. Beneath the wreath lies the "S" mintmark, identifying the coin’s origin at the San Francisco Mint. Known for its exceptional coinage standards, the San Francisco Mint routinely produced well-struck coins. However, many 1883-S Morgan Dollars saw heavy circulation, and only a small percentage of the original mintage survives in high-grade or even lightly worn condition today, making AU58 specimens highly desirable.
The mintage of the 1883-S Morgan Dollar was 6,250,000 pieces, which is modest in comparison to other Morgan Dollar issues. Despite this, few high-quality survivors exist. This is largely because the 1883-S did not benefit from the massive Treasury releases of the 1960s that introduced bags of Mint State Morgans from long-term storage into the collector market. As a result, Mint State 1883-S coins are considerably scarcer than those from better-known dates. In fact, fully uncirculated examples, particularly those graded MS65 or higher, are considered rare and command significant premiums. AU58 coins like this one are often collected in lieu of Mint State examples due to their nearly identical appearance but far more approachable price.
The AU58 grade from ANACS—America’s oldest grading service—indicates a coin with minimal wear confined to the highest points, retaining full design detail and original mint luster. These coins often appear uncirculated to the naked eye, with only slight friction visible on Liberty’s cheek, hairline, or the eagle’s breast feathers. The reflective surfaces, luster, and sharpness of strike often remain entirely intact. ANACS applies strict grading standards, and their encapsulation provides collectors with confidence in both the authenticity and grade of the coin.
For the 1883-S issue, coins in AU58 condition are particularly prized because they represent the upper echelon of circulated examples. While coins in lower circulated grades like VF or XF are more common, AU58 examples sit at the threshold of Mint State and often deliver the visual appeal of uncirculated coins at a fraction of the cost. This specific grade captures the essence of the coin’s design while telling a subtle story of use and survival—appealing to both history-minded collectors and those focused on high-quality acquisitions.
The physical specifications of the Morgan Dollar remain consistent across the series. The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, with a total weight of 26.73 grams and a diameter of 38.1 millimeters. Its reeded edge and silver content contribute to both its tactile appeal and bullion value, though coins like this are valued far more for their numismatic significance than for melt value. The 1883-S, in particular, is an issue sought more for rarity and grade scarcity than for silver content, placing it firmly in the realm of collector interest.
Market trends for the 1883-S have consistently shown upward pressure on prices in higher circulated and Mint State grades due to limited supply. Collectors assembling complete Morgan Dollar sets often find this date to be one of the more challenging pieces, especially when attempting to acquire an attractive coin with good luster and a strong strike. The AU58 ANACS-certified piece fills an important gap, offering the appeal of near-Mint quality without the substantial cost of an MS coin. Because of the wide price jump between AU58 and MS60+ grades, many collectors deliberately target coins in this "slider" condition for both display and investment purposes.
The San Francisco Mint, which began operations in the mid-19th century to support the California Gold Rush, developed a longstanding reputation for producing some of the most beautifully struck U.S. coins. The 1883-S Morgan Dollar is no exception, often showing above-average detail in the eagle's plumage and Liberty's hair. This makes even lightly worn examples like AU58 highly collectible, as they preserve much of the original design’s artistry and precision. Combined with the scarcity of high-grade survivors, these coins represent an important part of American numismatic heritage and minting history.
In conclusion, the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1883-S AU58 ANACS offers collectors a superb example of a rare and underappreciated issue in nearly uncirculated condition. With its strong strike, shimmering luster, and certified grade from a respected service, this coin bridges the gap between circulated and Mint State collecting. It’s a historically meaningful, visually impressive, and financially sensible acquisition for any Morgan Dollar enthusiast looking to enrich their collection with a coin that is both beautiful and increasingly difficult to find in such exceptional condition.