1884-S $1 MS63 PCGS....

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Condition Rarity 1884-S Dollar, MS63

1884-S $1 MS63 PCGS. The 1884-S dollar epitomizes the numismatic term "condition rarity." Examples are common in AU50 and even MS60 examples are available to collectors for a moderate price. However, the survivor rate of pieces grading MS63 or finer drops dramatically. The reason is simple: nearly all 1884-S dollars were released into circulation shortly after being struck, although a small quantity of coins were saved. Q. David Bowers, in his Silver Dollars and Trade Dollars of the United States, A Complete Encyclopedia (1993) relates: "... it is known that limited numbers of this issue dribbled out from storage in the Treasury Building in Washington, D.C. as early as the early 1930s, and continuing through at least the very early 1950s. If any full bags were paid out, I have not learned of the situation."
It is apparent that the quantity of Uncirculated 1884-S dollars mentioned by Bowers was limited, especially when compared to other dates in the series, as supplies seemed to be depleted by collector demand as quickly as they came to market. Most of the other contemporary Morgan dollar issues were bagged in vast quantities shortly after being produced and then stored until their release in the early 1960s. With literally millions of pieces of other dates saved in this manner, the odds of having high grade survivors was high. Not surprisingly, the scant number of 1884-S coins released from Treasury holdings yielded few Select Uncirculated or better pieces. The PCGS Population Report supports that sentiment, with a total of 38 pieces at the MS63 level and only 16 grading finer, including a staggeringly low total of three coins graded as Gem or finer (6/08).
This coin shows lovely satin-like mint luster and it is relatively undisturbed by post-striking defects. Both sides are brilliant, and the striking details are almost completely brought up in the centers. An exceptional 1884-S dollar.(Registry values: P9, N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 254P, PCGS# 7156, GSID# 7528)

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight: 26.73 grams
ASW: 0.77346oz
Mintage: 3,200,000

View Certification Details from PCGS