1879-S Morgan Dollar
Reverse of 1879
Guidelines for Collecting:
The 1879-S with Reverse of 1879 (SAF) variety is among the most plentiful of Morgan dollars in the 1878-1904 date range. Most pieces are in Mint State and have excellent eye appeal. Coins are usually well struck on both sides, and show brilliance and luster.
Availability in Circulated Grades:
This plentiful issue is always available at reasonable cost in all grades from VF up to AU.
Availability in Mint State Grades:
As should be expected from the large mintage, this date can readily be obtained at any Mint State level. It was not heavily distributed at the time of striking and untold bag quantities remained in storage at the San Francisco Mint for decades. In 1942 dozens—if not hundreds—of bags were paid out. During the Treasury releases in the early 1960s perhaps as many as one million more examples were made available. Of course, for present visitors to our website, this is ancient history! Cherrypick this date for minimal bagmarks.
Availability in Proof:
None produced.
The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in the November 2016 Baltimore Auction, where it realized $6,462.50.
1879-S, Reverse of 1879 Morgan Dollar Auction Highlights
Morgan Dollar NGC MS-68 PL, CAC Sold for $14,375 View Lot 4187 | Morgan Dollar NGC MS-66+*, CAC Sold for $12,337 View Lot 5127 | Morgan Dollar NGC MS-65, Gold CAC Sold for $9,300 View Lot 1400 |