1895-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-65 (PCGS).An exceptionally smooth, visually appealing example of this conditionally challenging San Francisco Mint issue. Both sides are brilliant and highly lustrous, an otherwise softly frosted finish yielding to intense semi-reflective tendencies in the fields as the surfaces dip into a light. Boldly to sharply struck with eye appeal to spare. A key date Morgan dollar in all grades, the 1895-S has a paltry mintage of just 400,000 pieces with only eight circulation strike issues of the type produced in more limited numbers. The 1895-S represents a major hurdle for the advanced Morgan dollar collector not only because of its overall elusiveness, but also because it is a formidable condition rarity. Writing in the 1993 book <em>Silver Dollars & Trade Dollars of the United States: A Complete Encyclopedia, Volume Two</em>, Q. David Bowers states: "Ask a silver dollar dealer this question: What two Morgan dollar issues usually are seen heavily bagmarked? The answer is apt to be: 1893-CC and 1895-S." The offered example is remarkably well preserved and would serve as a highlight in an advanced Morgan dollar cabinet.
