1883-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-64 (PCGS). This is a lovely, brilliant near-Gem, with intense mint luster and razor sharp design elements. Although often overshadowed by the 1884-S, the 1883-S is also highly elusive in Mint State. The mintage was a fairly generous 6,250,000 pieces, and the 1883-S is one of the few Morgan dollars that saw active circulation beginning in the 19th century. Indeed, worn survivors are available with ease. On the other hand, Mint State examples are scarce in todays market. While many emerged from federal holdings in the 1950s and 1960s, these were quickly absorbed by collectors. No other significant quantities were found apart from a partial bag in the estate of LaVere Redfield. The coins from both the Redfield hoard and the Federal holdings seemed to average about MS-63 in condition. This is one of the finer examples that we have offered in recent sales, and will be just right for a Mint State Morgan dollar set. PCGS# 7148. NGC ID: 254K.
