-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 56526
Checkout
The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1896-S AU Details NGC is a scarce and attractive coin that holds a unique position in the popular Morgan Dollar series. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this particular issue is distinguished not only by its lower mintage but also by its condition—graded AU (About Uncirculated) Details by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC). While not assigned a numeric grade due to a noted issue such as cleaning or other surface impairment, the coin still displays nearly full detail and sharp luster, offering collectors the opportunity to own an eye-appealing example of a challenging date without the premium associated with problem-free AU specimens.
The Morgan Silver Dollar series began in 1878 and ran through 1904, with a final reissue in 1921. Designed by George T. Morgan, the coin was a symbol of America’s commitment to the silver standard and reflected the political and economic influence of the silver mining industry in the western United States. By the mid-1890s, demand for silver dollars had waned, and many issues from this period were struck in relatively modest quantities. The 1896-S Morgan Dollar was among these lower mintage coins, with only 5,000,000 pieces produced. Compared to Philadelphia's massive 9,976,000 output of the same year, the San Francisco issue is considerably harder to locate, especially in higher grades.
The obverse of the coin features the familiar profile of Lady Liberty, facing left, crowned with a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton—symbols of agricultural prosperity. The inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arcs above Liberty’s head, while thirteen stars and the date “1896” are arranged below. On an AU Details specimen, this portrait remains largely intact, with most of the original relief preserved. Wear is typically confined to Liberty’s cheek, hairline, and the high points of the cap, but the frosted features and sharp strikes characteristic of San Francisco coinage often remain discernible despite light circulation.
The reverse bears the image of a heraldic eagle with wings spread, clutching arrows and an olive branch to symbolize readiness for both war and peace. A laurel wreath surrounds the eagle, and inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “ONE DOLLAR.” Just above the “D” and “O” of “DOLLAR,” the “S” mintmark denotes the San Francisco Mint. In AU Details condition, the eagle’s breast will show some smoothing from circulation, but the wing feathers, wreath, and mintmark should remain sharp and well-defined. The coin retains most of its original strike characteristics, with only slight evidence of wear from limited handling.
The San Francisco Mint was known for producing some of the most sharply struck Morgan Dollars, and the 1896-S is no exception. While not as rare as some of the earlier San Francisco issues, such as the 1889-S or 1893-S, the 1896-S becomes significantly more elusive in About Uncirculated and Mint State condition. High-grade survivors are relatively few in number, and demand from date and mintmark collectors keeps this coin in steady circulation within the numismatic community. The AU Details designation typically indicates a coin that narrowly missed a straight grade due to cleaning, tooling, or another surface issue, but it often still displays excellent eye appeal.
Coins designated “AU Details” by NGC exhibit light wear consistent with an About Uncirculated grade (AU50–AU58) but fall short of numeric grading due to a noted problem. Common reasons include light cleaning, environmental damage, or small surface marks. In the case of this 1896-S, the coin likely retains 85–95% of its original detail with smooth fields and prominent design features. Collectors often view Details coins as value opportunities, especially when the noted issues are not overly distracting. When compared to fully graded AU58 examples, AU Details coins can often be acquired at a fraction of the cost while maintaining most of the visual integrity.
The mintage of 5,000,000 may sound substantial, but large numbers of these coins were likely melted down following the Pittman Act of 1918, which saw the destruction of hundreds of millions of silver dollars to support British silver demands during World War I. Surviving 1896-S Morgan Dollars—particularly those approaching uncirculated grades—are therefore more difficult to locate than the mintage suggests. This makes even circulated and problem-designated examples desirable, especially when certified by a reputable grading service such as NGC, which provides assurance of authenticity and accurate attribution.
NGC encapsulation preserves the coin in a protective holder, which displays the certification details and shields the coin from environmental contaminants. The encapsulated AU Details grade, while acknowledging a minor issue, does not diminish the historical or numismatic importance of the coin. For many collectors and investors, this makes it an accessible entry into the realm of semi-key date Morgans with high visual appeal and historic pedigree.
From a historical perspective, 1896 was a tumultuous year in American politics and economics. The nation was still recovering from the Panic of 1893, and the debate over the gold and silver standards was at its peak. William Jennings Bryan delivered his famous “Cross of Gold” speech that year, advocating for the free coinage of silver—a debate that would continue to dominate monetary policy for years to come. Against this backdrop, the production of the 1896-S Morgan Dollar reflects the tensions of a nation grappling with currency stability, economic recovery, and industrial growth.
In conclusion, the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1896-S AU Details NGC represents a powerful blend of scarcity, artistry, and historical relevance. Its origins at the San Francisco Mint, low survival rate in high grades, and encapsulation by NGC ensure its authenticity and desirability. Though the AU Details designation points to a minor flaw, the coin still retains much of its original detail and character. For collectors aiming to complete a comprehensive Morgan Dollar collection or seeking a tangible piece of late 19th-century American coinage, this example offers an excellent combination of value and historical significance.