1878-S Morgan Dollar MS-64 PCGS

Product Details

Witness a tangible piece of American history with this 1878-S Morgan Dollar, certified MS-64 by PCGS. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this coin embodies the spirit of the American West and the dawn of a pivotal era in U.S. coinage.

The year 1878 marked a transformative period in American numismatics, heralding the introduction of the iconic Morgan Dollar—a direct response to the Bland-Allison Act and the vast silver discoveries of the Comstock Lode. This magnificent coin, bearing the "S" mint mark of the legendary San Francisco Mint, stands as a testament to the nation's burgeoning industrial might and westward expansion. Designed by the talented George T. Morgan, a British engraver who would later become the U.S. Mint's Chief Engraver, the Morgan Dollar quickly became a beloved symbol of American currency.

This particular 1878-S Morgan Dollar, graded MS-64 by PCGS, offers collectors a superb example of the San Francisco Mint's renowned craftsmanship. The obverse proudly displays Lady Liberty, modeled after Anna Willess Williams, facing left and adorned with a Phrygian cap, a headband inscribed "LIBERTY," and an agricultural wreath of cotton and wheat, symbolizing the nation's freedom and bounty. The reverse features a majestic bald eagle, clutching an olive branch and arrows—emblems of peace and preparedness—encircled by the legends "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the denomination "ONE DOLLAR." The mint mark "S" below the eagle confirms its San Francisco origin.

Minted with a substantial quantity of 9,774,000 pieces in its inaugural year, the 1878-S coins are particularly cherished for their consistently strong, razor-sharp strikes and brilliant luster, a hallmark of the San Francisco Mint's careful production. Composed of .900 fine silver, this dollar contains .7734 troy ounces of pure silver, with a total weight of 26.73 grams, a diameter of 38.1 mm, and a thickness of 3.1 mm. A significant number of these early San Francisco issues remained in government vaults for decades, contributing to their availability in higher uncirculated grades today. Owning an 1878-S Morgan Dollar means possessing a piece of the "Wild West"—a tangible link to the silver rush, economic innovation, and the artistic ambition that shaped a nation. It is an essential cornerstone for any collection seeking to capture the profound legacy of American coinage.