1879-S Morgan Silver Dollar. Reverse of 1878. Top 100 Variety. MS-65+ (CACG).Fully struck with bountiful mint luster, this stunning condition rarity also offers richly original toning. The obverse is dressed in blended antique copper and olive-gray patina, while the reverse exhibits a halo of pinkish-apricot and powder blue peripheral iridescence around a brilliant center. Satin to softly frosted in texture with modest semi-reflective tendencies in the fields.<p>First publicized during the 1960s, the Reverse of 1878 is much the scarcer hub variety of the otherwise plentiful 1879-S Morgan dollar. Apparently, these coins were struck from leftover reverse dies from the 1878-S silver dollar issue. The mintage of this hub variety was not reported separately from the mintage for the 1879-S issue. Q. David Bowers (2019) provides an estimate of 600,000 coins struck based on the fact that at least half a dozen die pairs were used. Even if half that number were struck, most were obviously melted since Mint State examples are scarce to rare in all grades (by Morgan dollar standards). The offered premium Gem is a phenomenal condition rarity that is sure to see spirited bidding.PCGS# 7094. NGC ID: 253W.
