1895-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-64+ (PCGS). CAC. An exceptionally smooth, visually appealing example of this conditionally challenging San Francisco Mint issue. Both sides are brilliant and highly lustrous, the finish generally frosty but with subtle semi-reflective tendencies in the fields. Boldly struck in all areas apart from the centers, with strong eye appeal.<p>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. It was an issue of utility, and examples were fed into circulation gradually for years after striking. While a few bags did become available directly from the San Francisco Mint in the 1950s, this never amounted to any significant quantity and examples remained overall scarce in the market.<p>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. PCGS# 7238. NGC ID: 255Z. PCGS Population: 50; 53 finer in this category (MS-66+ finest).
