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The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1891-S MS64 PCGS is an impressive example of one of the better-produced coins in the Morgan dollar series, especially in terms of strike quality and luster. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this piece reflects the high minting standards of that facility and features a sharp, well-detailed strike that collectors have come to associate with the “S” mintmark. Graded Mint State 64 by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), one of the most respected third-party grading services in numismatics, the coin offers strong eye appeal with nearly gem-level attributes, making it a desirable acquisition for both investors and collectors alike.
The 1891-S Morgan Dollar is part of the broader Morgan dollar series, which ran from 1878 to 1904 and briefly again in 1921. Named after its designer, George T. Morgan, this silver dollar was part of an initiative prompted by the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase large amounts of domestic silver and coin it into dollars. This policy was intended to support the struggling silver mining industry and maintain a bimetallic monetary system. By 1891, the coin had become a fixture in American commerce, although many pieces remained stored in Treasury vaults for decades before finally entering circulation or being sold to collectors.
The obverse of the 1891-S Morgan Silver Dollar features a left-facing bust of Lady Liberty, wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton blossoms, symbolizing the agricultural unity of the United States. The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed on her headband, and the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arches above, flanked by thirteen stars, representing the original colonies. Below the portrait is the date “1891.” On this MS64 example, Liberty’s cheek and neck display minimal contact marks, and the fields are notably clean and lustrous, with a soft satiny or frosty texture that gives the coin a bright, attractive appearance under light.
The reverse design, also by Morgan, showcases a majestic eagle with wings fully spread, grasping an olive branch and arrows in its talons. A laurel wreath surrounds the eagle, while the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears above the bird’s head in Gothic lettering. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR” circle the outer rim. Beneath the wreath is the mintmark “S,” indicating that the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. One of the distinguishing features of the 1891-S Morgan Dollar is the sharpness of the eagle’s breast feathers—an area often weak on other mint issues. On this certified MS64 specimen, the detail is strong, with exceptional definition in the wing and tail feathers, reflecting the superior striking power used at San Francisco.
The San Francisco Mint was known for producing coins with above-average strike quality and luster, and the 1891-S Morgan Dollar is a prime example. With a mintage of 5,296,000 pieces, the coin is not considered rare in general terms, but it is more difficult to find in higher Mint State grades with strong eye appeal. While circulated examples are common, pieces that have survived in pristine condition, especially those with full luster and minimal abrasions, are far more limited. MS64 represents the upper tier of available quality for this issue, with MS65 and higher specimens commanding significant premiums.
Grading at MS64 means the coin exhibits full original mint luster, a sharp strike, and only small imperfections that are not overly distracting. PCGS, as one of the most trusted coin certification services in the world, assigns this grade only after a thorough evaluation by professional graders. This certification guarantees the authenticity, condition, and market-recognized grade of the coin, providing peace of mind and enhancing liquidity in the marketplace. Coins graded MS64 by PCGS are highly respected and sought after by both investors and numismatists, particularly when the coin offers as much detail and brilliance as the 1891-S typically does.
The Morgan dollar series was struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, with each coin containing 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver. The coin has a diameter of 38.1 millimeters and weighs 26.73 grams. These specifications remained consistent throughout the series and contribute to the Morgan dollar’s popularity among bullion investors, even though many pieces now carry numismatic premiums well beyond their intrinsic metal value. For the 1891-S Morgan Dollar, the added appeal of high-quality strike and strong eye appeal makes it especially attractive to collectors assembling a type set, a mintmark set, or a complete Morgan dollar registry set.
On this particular coin, the luster is typically vibrant and frosty, with clean, well-maintained surfaces that display a pleasing cartwheel effect as the coin rotates under light. The fields are smooth, and the devices—particularly Liberty’s hair curls and the eagle’s feathers—are sharply defined. Light golden or champagne toning may be present around the periphery, adding character and originality to the coin’s appearance. As an MS64, the coin offers a combination of near-gem brilliance and affordability that appeals to a wide range of buyers.
The 1891-S Morgan Dollar is a strong candidate for collectors seeking coins from the San Francisco Mint, which played a crucial role in the nation’s coinage during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It also holds significance for those focusing on coins from the early 1890s, a period marked by economic uncertainty and political debate over the future of silver currency in the United States. This issue stands out from other branch mint coins of the era due to its exceptional quality and comparative affordability in upper Mint State grades.
In conclusion, the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1891-S MS64 PCGS is an outstanding representative of the series, offering collectors and investors a coin with excellent strike detail, strong mint luster, and historical importance. Its San Francisco origin adds to its desirability, as does its professional certification by PCGS, which ensures the coin’s grade, authenticity, and long-term preservation. As a near-gem example from a mint known for high-quality production, this coin embodies the best traits of the Morgan dollar series and remains a highly collectible piece of American numismatic heritage.