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- Product ID: 56528
The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1896-S MS63 NGC toned (B) is an exceptional numismatic specimen from one of the more elusive dates in the Morgan Dollar series. This San Francisco Mint issue is graded Mint State 63 by NGC and features natural toning that enhances its aesthetic appeal. It exemplifies both the history and artistry of late 19th-century American coinage. As part of the Morgan Dollar series, this piece represents not only a significant period in U.S. monetary policy but also a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the U.S. Mint during the era of expansive silver coin production.
The Morgan Dollar series was authorized under the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, a federal law requiring the Treasury to purchase large quantities of domestic silver for coinage. George T. Morgan, an assistant engraver at the time, was selected to design the new dollar. His Liberty portrait was notable for using an American model, Anna Willess Williams, instead of a classical Greek-style representation. The series ran from 1878 to 1904 and briefly returned in 1921. The 1896-S issue stands out as a tougher coin in higher grades due to a relatively modest mintage and fewer surviving Mint State examples.
The 1896-S Morgan Dollar had an original mintage of 5,000,000 pieces. While this may seem substantial, most entered circulation and saw extensive use. Few were stored in Treasury vaults, especially compared to Philadelphia and New Orleans issues of the same year. As a result, Mint State coins are significantly scarcer, especially in grades MS63 and above. Collectors value 1896-S pieces for their relative scarcity, particularly when enhanced by appealing toning that reflects careful preservation and aging under favorable conditions.
The obverse design of the 1896-S features the iconic profile of Liberty facing left, her head crowned with a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton—symbols of American agriculture and liberty. Around the central image are the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” thirteen stars, and the date “1896.” The strike on this example is crisp, with Liberty’s hair and cap sharply rendered. As a certified MS63 coin, it retains full mint luster with only minor contact marks visible, none of which detract significantly from the coin’s overall eye appeal.
The reverse bears the classic Morgan eagle design: a bold heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows and an olive branch. Surrounding the eagle are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “ONE DOLLAR.” Beneath the wreath appears the “S” mintmark, identifying its origin as the San Francisco Mint. This reverse is known for its clean and precise strikes, especially from San Francisco, and this example lives up to that reputation with strong feather detail and a well-defined wreath and legend.
What distinguishes this specific coin labeled (B) is its unique toning. Natural toning occurs as a result of long-term exposure to air, moisture, and the coin's storage environment. This specimen exhibits soft peripheral toning with hues of amber, violet, and possibly pale blue or gold, which create a pleasing contrast against the frosted devices and mirrored fields. Toned Morgan Dollars are highly sought after by collectors for their individuality, with each toned piece displaying its own character, like a fingerprint in silver.
The NGC MS63 certification ensures that the coin is uncirculated with full original mint luster, a solid strike, and only moderate contact marks under magnification. These minor marks do not impair the coin’s overall eye appeal, particularly when enhanced by attractive toning. The NGC encapsulation provides authentication, protection, and marketability, while the label ensures traceability and confirms its numeric grade.
The San Francisco Mint, operational since 1854, was known for its superior coinage quality. It played a major role in minting U.S. coinage using California gold and later domestic silver. In 1896, the Mint was still producing coinage at full capacity to comply with federal silver purchase mandates. While much of the coinage was used in local commerce or shipped eastward, relatively few were preserved in uncirculated rolls or bags, making pieces like this a rare survivor from an era of intense silver use and circulation.
The 1896-S is considered a semi-key Morgan Dollar issue. It’s not as rare as the 1893-S or 1895, but its low availability in high Mint State grades gives it significant value. Toned examples such as this one draw additional interest for their visual beauty. Collectors who focus on toned Morgans or those assembling a complete date and mintmark set often target pieces like this one for their combination of condition, color, and scarcity.
As a Mint State 63 coin, it sits at a desirable threshold for value and affordability. It offers a solid balance of high quality and investment potential without reaching the significantly higher premiums of MS64 or MS65 coins. The coin’s toning may also appeal to collectors interested in eye appeal premiums, where naturally toned coins can outperform technically higher-grade but less attractive pieces on the open market.
In conclusion, the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1896-S MS63 NGC toned (B) is an impressive example from one of the more challenging San Francisco issues in the series. Its sharp strike, full mint luster, and rich toning make it a standout specimen worthy of attention. For collectors of toned coins, San Francisco Mint issues, or serious Morgan Dollar enthusiasts, this piece offers a harmonious blend of grade, history, and visual charm that is difficult to match within this classic American silver series.