1883-S Morgan Dollar
Guidelines for Collecting:
Compared with the earlier selections of numismatically available Morgan dollars from the San Francisco Mint, the 1883-S is very difficult to find, especially at higher Mint State levels. Bagmarks are a significant problem with 1883-S dollars, as they must have been stored and handled roughly. In lower grades the 1883-S is plentiful, but at higher levels it is both elusive and expensive. Most examples usually have a strike that is above average to sharp. Luster ranges from medium frosty to deep, very pleasing to the eye.
Availability in Circulated Grades:
Most of the mintage went into commercial channels at the time of striking. All grades are available with EF and AU located with regularity; anything finer than that and “rare’ becomes the operative word.
Availability in Mint State Grades:
In MS-60 to 62 there is a steady supply of this date, but at MS-63 the rarity factor sets in. MS-64 coins are about as nice as can be found nowadays, though a small number of finer pieces exist to tempt high rollers in the Morgan dollar discipline. Look for a Mint State-63 with not too many bagmarks and a decent strike and your Morgan dollar collection will be greatly enhanced.
Availability in Proof:
None produced.
The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in the Larry H. Miller Collection, where it realized $43,200.
1883-S Morgan Dollar Auction Highlights
 NGC MS-66 Sold for $43,200 View Lot 6323 |  PCGS MS-65 Sold for $23,000 View Lot 222 |  NGC MS-65 Sold for $19,975 View Lot 2122 |
