1885-S Morgan Dollar
Guidelines for Collecting:
The mintage of silver dollars at the San Francisco Mint this year was fairly modest, so that today the 1885-S fits into the medium to scarce category. Most coins were put into circulation at the time or later melted under provisions of the 1918 Pittman Act. Over the years there had been a modest supply of Mint State 1885-S dollars on the market and the coin was never considered to be a rarity. Many examples are less sharply struck than other dates produced at the San Francisco Mint. Spend some time looking for examples with an excellent strike. Most display some flatness at the center of the obverse and center of the reverse.
Availability in Circulated Grades:
Much of the mintage for the date saw active circulation in the year of striking and EF to AU coins are reasonably available; lower grades tend to make it to the melting pot in times of high silver prices.
Availability in Mint State Grades:
Grades up to and including MS-65 are available with some regularity in today’s marketplace. Look for a Mint State-64 coin with bold central details—it may take some searching—for the best value in today’s marketplace.
Availability in Proof:
None produced.
The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in the December 2020 Showcase Auction, where it realized $19,200.
1885-S Morgan Dollar Auction Highlights
 PCGS MS-66+, CAC Sold for $19,200 View Lot 2282 |  PCGS MS-66+ Sold for $18,000 View Lot 1106 |  PCGS MS-66 Sold for $9,600 View Lot 6331 |
