Our
January 2017 Collectors Choice Auction will ring in the new year with a
delightful offering of rarities including a near-Gem 1894 Morgan silver dollar
that has received the coveted approval by CAC. The 1894 is among the scarcest
of the entire Morgan series, with a mintage of just 110,000 coins, the second
lowest circulation-strike mintage, just barely exceeding the 100,000 examples
struck of the 1893-S. While often overshadowed by ultra-rarities like the
1893-S and the Proof 1895, the 1894 remains a true key date and is elusive in
essentially all grades. Very few bags surfaced in the various 20th century
releases from the Mint and Treasury, and Uncirculated survivors are scarce in
today’s market. Perhaps just 50 examples survive in Gem condition, and none are
known at the Superb level, stressing the desirability of the present piece.
Olive-gold
surfaces are accented by subtle sapphire surrounding the motifs throughout. Luster
cartwheels across the both sides, imparting a uniform satiny texture that
appears somewhat granular under a glass. The design elements are bold, with
notable intricacy visible on the reverse eagle.
A few trivial bagmarks punctuate Liberty’s cheek, but the remaining
surfaces are very nice for the assigned grade. Attractive in every respect,
Morgan enthusiasts will do well to closely inspect this superlative near-Gem.
This
lovely key date example will be featured in our January 2017 Collectors Choice
Auction, which will be available in its entirety for lot viewing at the FUN
show in Ft. Lauderdale January 5-8, 2017. To consign your collection to a
future showcase event, please contact our offices today at 1-800-458-4646 to
speak with a Consignment Director and see what Stack’s Bowers Galleries can do
for you.
