1893-S Morgan Dollar
Guidelines for Collecting:
The 1893-S is a very popular and highly desirable date in the Morgan dollar series. Its mintage of 100,000 coins signals the lowest circulation strike production figure among Morgan dollars. A word of caution regarding the potential of encountering a fake; avoid any 1893-S that has not been certified by a leading service, and avoid offerings of uncertified coins from an “old estate” or supposedly inherited collection. Strike quality is sharp, with even worn pieces are apt to have good detail. Luster is usually rich and deep on Mint State examples—when they can be found.
Availability in Circulated Grades:
Strangely enough, most circulated examples of the date are VF or so; lesser and finer grades can be obtained but all are moderately scarce. This date saw regular commercial use in the era it was issued. No matter the grade, AG to AU, there is seemingly always a buyer for an example of this rarity. We suggest a problem-free VF example is the way to go for budget-conscious collectors.
Availability in Mint State Grades:
One of the great keys in the series in any Mint State grade, the 1893-S is the most important of all Morgan dollars struck for circulation. The entire mintage of the date was delivered in January of the year and most went into commerce. Not surprisingly, this date was not greatly represented in the Treasury releases of the early 1960s. MS-60 to 62 grades can be found with a modicum of difficulty, but above that level it’s a mid-five figure coin and is even more valuable in MS-64 and higher. If you’d like a gem example of the date, be prepared to spend well into six figures if you can locate a specimen.
Availability in Proof:
None produced.
The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in the Spring 2022 Showcase Auction, where it realized $78,000.
1893-S Morgan Dollar Auction Highlights
 PCGS MS-65, CAC Sold for $600,000 View Lot 6362 |  PCGS UNC Details Sold for $96,000 View Lot 1219 |  NGC AU-58 Sold for $78,000 View Lot 3058 |
