1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar. AU Details--Repaired, Polished (NGC). Overall sharp striking and ample remnants of a semi-prooflike finish from the dies are sure to catch the eye of high grade Morgan dollar enthusiasts. Tooling to Libertys cheek and wispy hairlines explain the NGC qualifiers, but both sides are retoning quite nicely in iridescent reddish-gold and, to a lesser extent, cobalt blue. The 1893-S is an issue that needs no introduction in todays market, and its fame is such that its desirability transcends the Morgan dollar series. With only 100,000 pieces produced this is the lowest mintage circulation strike silver dollar of its type. While many of these coins were likely melted under terms of the 1918 Pittman Act, thousands were released into commercial channels. The latter probably happened no later than the earliest decades of the 20th century, for the typical example offered in todays market is well worn in grades such as Fine and VF. Approaching the Uncirculated threshold, this is certainly an above average survivor whose significance is further enhanced when we consider the awesome rarity of this issue in all Mint State grades.
