The 1879-S Morgan dollar is a favorite among both type collectors and silver dollar specialists, offering a wide range of varieties and prooflike qualities to pursue. Issued during the second year of the series, almost the entire production run of 9.1 million coins struck in San Francisco were not paid out but rather remained in the Mint’s vaults. They were only gradual released over 60 years later in 1942 and again in the early 1960s. Most Uncirculated examples come from those releases but often will have bagmarks or other abrasions from being moved in large and very heavy $1,000 sacks from vault to vault during counts. The vast majority of survivors are in grades of MS-64 or lower and Gems offer a surprising challenge.
We are excited to present a desirable MS-65 (NGC) 1879-S dollar in our December Old-Holder Auction, housed in an elusive "fatty" holder and approved by CAC. This piece offers superior eye appeal with snowy-white luster at the centers and deep plum and midnight-blue toning near the borders. The reflectivity in the fields sharply contrasts with the satiny texture on the devices, offering a prooflike impression that is most intense on the obverse.
This beautiful Gem 1879-S Morgan dollar is offered in our December 2021 Old-Holder Auction, with live bidding starting on Tuesday, December 21 at 11:00 AM PST. For more information on an upcoming sale or to consign your numismatic items, contact our firm at 800-566-2580 or by email at consign@StacksBowers.com. Stack’s Bowers Galleries is now accepting consignments of U.S. coins, numismatic Americana, and U.S. currency for our Spring 2022 Showcase Auction, while our monthly Collectors Choice Online Auctions offer a convenient venue for the quickest sale at the strongest prices.
