Morgan dollars are very collectible and popular, attracting enthusiasts from beginners to high rollers. Overall, Morgan dollars are not exceedingly rare, which adds to their perennial desirability. Common dates are readily available in midrange Mint State condition, although they become far scarcer at the MS-67 level. Beyond that, things change dramatically, as rarity and value spike when these coins reach the ultra-gem grade of MS-68.
In our June 2022 Showcase auction, we are pleased to be offering just such an ultra-gem – an 1879-S graded MS-68 by NGC. This is certainly a widely available date, but it is also one that becomes much more difficult to locate at this lofty grade level. The PCGS Survival Estimate for this San Francisco Mint issue in grades of MS-65 and finer is 291,000, yet only a few hundred have earned the MS-68 rating, with none finer than MS-68+.
The example offered in our June sale is well deserving of this designation, with fields that are mark-free and the cheek as full as it was when it was struck in 1879. The details in the ear, hair and eagle’s chest are incredible as the strike is 100% complete. This ultra-gem stunner is magnificent in every way, enhanced by light peripheral rose-gold toning and overall premium iridescence. We expect this prime example to attract strong bids from advanced collectors as it crosses the auction block in our Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Summer Expo.
For more information about the Stack’s Bowers Galleries June 2022 auction visit StacksBowers.com. To consign your coins or paper money to one of our Showcase auctions or to our Collectors Choice Online auctions call 800-458-4646 or email Consign@StacksBowers.com.
