Numismatic

1885-S Morgan Dollar MS-64 PCGS

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The 1885 Morgan dollar struck at the San Francisco Mint represents a fascinating chapter in American currency. Born from the mandates of the Bland-Allison Act, this silver piece was originally intended to pass from hand to hand in daily commerce. Out of an original production run of 1,497,000, many of these coins met an unexpected fate decades later when the Pittman Act authorized the widespread melting of silver dollars, making surviving specimens in high grades particularly notable. Crafted from 0.7734 troy ounces of 90 percent pure silver, the physical presence of this coin is substantial, measuring 38.1 mm across and 3.1 mm thick. The design is the work of George T. Morgan. On the front, a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty is encircled by thirteen stars, the year 1885, and the Latin motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM". The reverse side depicts a bald eagle with its wings fully spread. Above the eagle, the words "IN GOD WE TRUST" appear, while the outer rim is inscribed with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the "ONE DOLLAR" denomination. The tiny letter "S" is positioned just beneath the eagle, indicating its origin at the San Francisco Mint. This specific specimen has survived the generations in remarkable condition, certified as Mint State 64 (MS-64).