-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 53570
Checkout
The 1880-S Morgan Silver Dollar is a significant coin within the iconic Morgan Dollar series, a staple in U.S. numismatics. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this coin is part of a collection that reflects the United States' prosperity during the late 19th century. The Morgan Dollar series was introduced in 1878 under the Coinage Act, following the silver discoveries in Nevada, which brought an influx of silver into the economy. The series was designed by George T. Morgan, and it quickly became a favorite of both the public and collectors. The 1880-S Morgan Silver Dollar, specifically, was minted during a period of high demand for silver coins, and it is recognized for its intricate design and its historical value. The coin’s production in 1880 came at a time when the U.S. was in the process of transitioning to a more modern currency system, and the Morgan Dollar became a symbol of American financial stability and growth during that time.
The design of the 1880-S Morgan Silver Dollar is a reflection of both artistic achievement and symbolic representation. On the obverse, the coin features a portrait of Lady Liberty, depicted in profile with a wreath of olive leaves in her hair. The artist, George T. Morgan, chose to represent Liberty in a more realistic and youthful manner than previous designs. Surrounding Liberty's image are the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” meaning “Out of many, one,” and the year of minting, 1880. The reverse of the coin is just as notable, with an eagle holding arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing strength and peace. The eagle is encircled by the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the coin’s denomination, “ONE DOLLAR.” This design was chosen not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its symbolism of the values that the United States upheld during the late 19th century: liberty, strength, and unity. The details of the eagle, the olive branch, and the arrows reflect the nation’s desire for both peace and military readiness. The coin’s overall design remains one of the most recognized and celebrated in American numismatics.
The 1880-S Morgan Silver Dollar was minted at the San Francisco Mint, which was known for producing high-quality coins. The San Francisco Mint was one of the primary locations for minting silver coins, especially during the years when large quantities of silver were entering the U.S. economy due to discoveries like the Comstock Lode in Nevada. The minting of the 1880-S Morgan Silver Dollar followed a high-demand period for silver coins, and the production of these coins was part of a larger push to replenish the U.S. Treasury with new silver dollars for circulation. Despite the large numbers of Morgan Dollars struck during the series, the mintage of the 1880-S is particularly notable for the quality of its strike and the relatively lower numbers of high-grade examples that remain available today. The coin’s mintage in 1880 is considered significant because it reflects both the economic climate of the time and the American government’s desire to ensure the country’s monetary system was backed by physical assets, such as silver.
The mintage of the 1880-S Morgan Silver Dollar is generally considered to be about 8.7 million coins. While this number seems high compared to other years in the series, the quality of the strike and the preservation of the coins over time has meant that only a portion of these coins remain in excellent condition. The 1880-S was minted with the intention of circulating as currency, but many of the coins have been lost to time, spent, or damaged through circulation. As a result, high-grade examples of this coin are rarer, making those in better condition highly sought after by collectors. The 1880-S Morgan Silver Dollar is considered a key date in the series, particularly in terms of the demand for well-preserved, uncirculated coins. The mintage of the coin, combined with its historical context and the production standards of the San Francisco Mint, ensures that it remains an important piece in the larger collection of U.S. silver coinage from this era.
The condition of the 1880-S Morgan Silver Dollar, particularly in higher grades such as MS63PL (Mint State 63 Prooflike), is a critical factor in its value. This particular coin has earned a high grade from the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), a third-party grading service that is trusted by collectors and investors alike. The MS63 grade indicates that the coin is in mint state, with only minimal signs of handling. It exhibits crisp details, with the overall design still clearly visible and vibrant. The “PL” (Prooflike) designation indicates that the coin has mirror-like surfaces, a characteristic that was typically seen in proof coins but is sometimes found in regular strikes, particularly those from the San Francisco Mint during this time. The toning of the coin further enhances its uniqueness, as natural toning can develop over time, adding character and depth to the coin’s appearance. The toning on this specific coin is described as being particularly attractive, with shades of gray and silver that enhance the details and give the coin a distinguished look. The preservation of such a high-quality example of the 1880-S Morgan Silver Dollar makes it a highly collectible item and a valuable addition to any collection of U.S. silver coins.
The toning on the 1880-S Morgan Silver Dollar adds to its appeal by highlighting the intricacy of the design. Coins that have developed toning over time often feature a spectrum of colors, ranging from light hues of blue and gold to deeper shades of gray and brown. This particular coin has developed a beautiful patina, which serves as a visual reminder of the coin's history and age. Toned coins like this are highly valued by collectors for their uniqueness, as the coloration can vary widely from coin to coin. The presence of toning also often signifies that the coin has been well cared for and preserved in a controlled environment, further enhancing its desirability in the numismatic market. The 1880-S Morgan Silver Dollar, with its combination of high-grade preservation, prooflike surfaces, and attractive toning, represents a prime example of the quality and craftsmanship of the San Francisco Mint during the late 19th century.
The 1880-S Morgan Silver Dollar is an essential piece for collectors of U.S. silver coins, particularly those interested in the Morgan Dollar series. The coin’s historical significance, combined with its exceptional design and high-quality production, makes it a valuable item for numismatists. The 1880-S Morgan Dollar represents both a specific moment in American history and a broader era of economic expansion and prosperity. Its continued appeal lies not only in its design and quality but also in its connection to the historical narrative of the United States during the Gilded Age. For collectors seeking a piece of this era, the 1880-S Morgan Silver Dollar offers both aesthetic and historical value, and examples in high grade, such as the MS63PL, are highly sought after for their rarity and condition.
In conclusion, the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1880-S MS63PL NGC toned (A) is a stunning example of American coinage from the late 19th century. Its minting at the San Francisco Mint, combined with the intricacy of its design, makes it a key piece in the Morgan Dollar series. The high grade, prooflike surfaces, and attractive toning elevate this coin to a level of distinction within the world of numismatics. As a historical artifact, the 1880-S Morgan Silver Dollar is a testament to the financial strength and cultural importance of the United States during a time of economic growth. For collectors, the rarity and condition of this coin ensure that it will remain a prized possession for years to come.