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The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1889 MS65 PCGS with toning is an exceptional representation of late 19th-century U.S. coinage artistry and craftsmanship. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this Morgan Dollar holds a prominent position in the series due to its date, high-grade condition, and attractive toning. The PCGS MS65 grade places this coin in the upper echelon of Mint State survivors, meaning it exhibits vibrant luster, a strong strike, and minimal contact marks. The addition of natural toning—often forming in multicolored, crescent, or peripheral patterns—adds a layer of visual appeal and individuality that elevates it well above the average Mint State example.
Designed by George T. Morgan, the Morgan Dollar debuted in 1878 and continued through 1904, with a final single-year revival in 1921. The 1889 issue marks the midpoint of the series and was struck at multiple mints, but the Philadelphia version—denoted by the absence of a mintmark—is often the most readily available of the group. That said, in MS65 or higher grades, it becomes notably scarcer due to the rigors of mass production and storage, which often resulted in bag marks and friction on the highest points of the design. A coin like this, preserved for over a century in near-pristine condition with attractive toning, is an uncommon find.
The obverse features the left-facing portrait of Liberty, wearing a Phrygian cap inscribed with the word “LIBERTY” and adorned with agricultural motifs such as cotton bolls and wheat. This symbolism reflects the intended unity of North and South post-Civil War. The inscriptions “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and the date “1889” frame Liberty’s profile, with thirteen stars spaced between. On a PCGS MS65 specimen, Liberty’s facial features are crisply struck, her hair strands are well defined, and the surrounding fields exhibit full luster with minimal, nearly imperceptible abrasions. Any toning present enhances the coin’s character, often forming in shades of gold, magenta, sea green, or azure depending on the coin’s storage environment over time.
The reverse displays a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows and an olive branch to represent both war and peace. The eagle is surrounded by a laurel wreath, with the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” above and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR” around the edge. As a Philadelphia Mint product, no mintmark is present beneath the wreath. On toned examples, the eagle’s wings and tail often show subtle iridescent colors that catch the light and deepen the design’s contrast against the mirrored or frosty fields. This coin’s toning likely developed naturally over decades, possibly from long-term storage in a coin album, mint bag, or paper envelope where chemical interaction with the environment created the desired hues.
Philadelphia struck an impressive 21,726,000 Morgan Dollars in 1889, a high mintage by any standard. The vast majority of these coins, however, were placed in storage or circulated heavily. While lower-grade and common examples are abundant, finding a gem-quality MS65 with original toning is significantly more difficult. Only a small portion of the mintage survived with minimal handling and ideal storage conditions to qualify for this grade, let alone with pleasing natural toning. As such, toned MS65 examples certified by PCGS are in high demand among collectors who seek both technical excellence and aesthetic beauty.
The PCGS MS65 grade, assigned under strict evaluation standards, denotes a coin with only minor imperfections visible under magnification, full luster, and exceptional eye appeal. PCGS, or the Professional Coin Grading Service, is one of the most respected third-party grading authorities, and their encapsulation guarantees both the authenticity and grade of the coin. This piece is housed in a tamper-evident holder with a clear label indicating the date, denomination, mint, grade, and any special notes. The holder protects the coin from environmental damage and ensures long-term preservation and ease of storage or display.
Physically, the 1889 Morgan Dollar follows the standard specifications for the series. It weighs 26.73 grams and measures 38.1 millimeters in diameter. The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, giving it a silver content of 0.7734 troy ounces. The reeded edge and consistent metallic composition were standard across all U.S. Mints producing Morgan Dollars. These specifications give the coin both intrinsic bullion value and collectible worth, appealing to both investors and numismatists.
Natural toning on silver coins occurs due to the metal’s interaction with sulfur or other compounds in the air, forming colorful layers of oxidation. Collectors often value coins with attractive, rainbow-like toning patterns, especially when they enhance the devices without obscuring important details. On this 1889 MS65 Morgan, toning may appear along the rim or form crescent shapes from contact with other coins in original mint bags. The depth and vibrancy of the toning, especially on a well-preserved surface, can greatly increase a coin’s desirability and even its market value compared to blast-white examples of the same grade.
While the 1889 Morgan Dollar is considered a relatively common date, the combination of high grade, third-party certification, and toning places this example in a superior class. Collectors often pursue toned Morgans as centerpiece coins due to their uniqueness—no two toned coins are ever identical. An MS65 with visual appeal and originality becomes a standout item in type sets, date/mint sets, or Morgan Dollar registry sets. The toning also serves as evidence of originality, affirming the coin’s long-term storage and lack of recent cleaning or artificial alteration.
In summary, the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1889 MS65 PCGS with toning represents the best of both numismatic value and visual allure. It boasts a classic design from America’s golden era of silver coinage, preserved in gem condition, and naturally toned to add unique personality. The coin’s superb grade, secure PCGS encapsulation, and eye-catching color make it a coveted item among both investors and dedicated collectors. It is more than just silver content—it is a piece of American history, frozen in time with artistry that continues to shine 135 years after its creation.