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The 1885-S Morgan Silver Dollar is a significant yet underappreciated issue in the Morgan Dollar series, minted during a time of robust silver dollar production and economic recovery following the financial instability of the early 1880s. This specific example, certified AU58 by NGC, sits at the very threshold of Mint State condition, offering exceptional detail, full design clarity, and strong eye appeal with only the lightest trace of wear. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this coin combines the frontier-era reputation of the “S” mintmark with the sharp production standards for which the mint was known. The 1885-S issue, with its modest mintage and relative scarcity in high-grade conditions, is a key interest to both Morgan Dollar specialists and type collectors seeking better-date coins just below the uncirculated threshold.
The obverse of the Morgan Silver Dollar, designed by George T. Morgan, features a striking left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with a wreath of cotton and wheat, symbolic of America’s agricultural foundations. Around her image is the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” with thirteen stars representing the original colonies, and the date “1885” centered at the bottom. On the reverse, a proud heraldic eagle stands with wings outstretched, clutching arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other, symbolizing both preparedness for war and a desire for peace. Above the eagle appears “IN GOD WE TRUST,” while “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR” encircle the rim. Just below the eagle’s tail feathers rests the “S” mintmark, denoting the San Francisco Mint.
In total, 1,497,000 Morgan Dollars were struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1885, a relatively low figure for the series. Though not considered a key date, the 1885-S becomes significantly scarcer in higher grades. A large number of these coins entered circulation in the Western states and territories shortly after striking, and the majority of survivors show moderate to heavy wear. Unlike some other Morgan issues that were hoarded in Treasury vaults and later released in large quantities, the 1885-S saw consistent use in commerce, contributing to the relative scarcity of Mint State examples. Coins approaching uncirculated condition, such as this AU58 specimen, offer collectors the opportunity to acquire a near-Mint piece from a desirable mintage year without paying the premium associated with true Mint State coins.
NGC, or Numismatic Guaranty Company, has graded this coin AU58—meaning “About Uncirculated” with a numeric value of 58, the highest grade within the AU category. AU58 coins exhibit only the slightest friction or wear, usually restricted to the highest points of the design, such as Liberty’s cheek, hair curls, or the eagle’s breast feathers. These coins retain nearly all of their original mint luster, especially in the protected areas of the design and along the devices. For many collectors, AU58 represents a sweet spot, combining the sharp detail and overall appearance of a Mint State coin with a lower price point that makes it more accessible. Additionally, AU58 coins often show more character than lower uncirculated coins due to subtle evidence of their brief time in circulation.
The 1885-S Morgan Dollar in AU58 is expected to retain a strong strike, especially given the San Francisco Mint’s consistent production quality. Liberty’s cap and the eagle’s wings are likely to be well-defined, with sharp edges and deeply impressed denticles. The coin’s luster will still be visible in most areas, although it may be slightly muted on the highest points where the faintest signs of wear are detectable. This light wear may manifest as a small softening on Liberty’s cheekbone or a faint flatness in the central breast feathers of the eagle, but all design elements should remain fully visible and well defined. Overall, the coin will maintain strong visual impact and integrity, with only minimal distractions under magnification.
The surfaces of an NGC AU58 coin are typically clean and attractive, especially for an issue like the 1885-S, which is known for above-average strike and clarity. Any contact marks or abrasions should be small and confined to the fields or less noticeable locations. Natural toning may be present, often in shades of pale gold, rose, or steel gray, especially around the periphery. This kind of patina adds charm and reinforces the coin’s originality. Because the coin was likely struck on well-prepared planchets and has been preserved carefully since its limited time in circulation, its eye appeal is expected to be above average for its grade.
Historically, the 1885-S Morgan Dollar circulated heavily in the American West, a region still in the process of rapid growth and development during the late 19th century. Silver dollars were a popular medium of exchange in mining towns, saloons, general stores, and railroad depots—especially in areas closer to the silver sources that helped justify the Morgan Dollar program. The San Francisco Mint, with its proximity to the Comstock Lode and other western silver mines, played a crucial role in producing the coins necessary to support commerce in these regions. As a result, coins like the 1885-S carry a palpable link to the frontier economy and the daily life of Americans during this dynamic period in U.S. history.
From a numismatic standpoint, the 1885-S issue provides important balance within the Morgan Dollar series. It is not prohibitively rare but presents a challenge in higher circulated and uncirculated grades. Its scarcity in Gem Mint State adds pressure to examples in grades like AU58, which offer close-to-Mint appearance without the hefty premiums of MS63 and MS64 coins. For collectors assembling full Morgan date-and-mintmark sets, the 1885-S AU58 is often the grade of choice—combining availability, affordability, and strong aesthetics. For type collectors or investors, it represents a historically rich piece with enduring collector appeal, particularly in a certified holder from a respected grading service.
In conclusion, the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1885-S AU58 NGC is a desirable and attractive example of a slightly better-date Morgan Dollar from one of the most revered mints in U.S. coinage history. With its sharp strike, nearly full luster, and lightly worn surfaces, this coin embodies the bridge between circulation and uncirculated status, capturing both historical use and exceptional preservation. Backed by NGC’s trusted certification, it offers both authenticity and quality assurance. For collectors who value originality, rich detail, and the romance of 19th-century American coinage, this 1885-S AU58 stands out as a compelling and valuable addition to any advanced Morgan Dollar or classic silver coin collection.