1895-S Morgan Dollar
Guidelines for Collecting:
Most 1895-S Morgan dollars in Mint State are heavily bagmarked. As a result, the majority of Mint State pieces are in lower MS grades. Finding a piece in MS-63 or finer, with minimum bagmarks, is very special. The strike on circulation coins is typically excellent with rich luster seen on high-grade specimens.
Availability in Circulated Grades:
Some portion of the mintage was sent into commerce early on but finding a nice circulated example, say EF or AU, can present a modest challenge.
Availability in Mint State Grades:
This scarcity remained in hiding in bag quantity (1,000 pieces) at the mint of origin for decades, though the quantity was not large. A few bags were paid out in the 1940s and again in the early 1950s. This semi-key date can prove challenging in grades above MS-62 though there should be little difficulty in finding an example if you are actively looking. MS-63 presents a great combination of quality and value, and a well-struck and lustrous specimen will be its own reward.
Availability in Proof:
None produced.
The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in the November 2016 Baltimore Auction, where it realized $30,550.
1895-S Morgan Dollar Auction Highlights
 PCGS MS-67 DMPL, CAC Sold for $336,000 View Lot 6368 |  PCGS MS-65+ Sold for $30,550 View Lot 2125 |  PCGS MS-65, CAC Sold for $22,425 View Lot 4680 |
