1878-S Morgan Silver Dollar

Nice coin, I would grade it at MS-63.

Wow that is pretty.

I was thinking it might make MS64. If not then a pq 63.

I figured I'd try one of those pictures where they show the "mirror-like" surfaces to see how it looks.

Given the regularity with which we see nice Prooflike 1878-S's, one would think they're pretty common on the ground. The opposite, in fact, is true. Using Heritage as a reference, I find over 3,000 1878-S auctions. Of that, 210 are PL and only 60 DMPL, a ratio of less than 10%. That's far less than the early-1880's issues, and even less than (as a "for instance") 1888-O.

What we *do* see are many 1878-S's with one face being Prooflike. I believe this coin might be one of those; the obverse doesn't look like it has the requisite reflectivity for Prooflike. You're welcome to prove me wrong, MeauxSzyslak. Your shot of the reflectivity is of such quality that, with your permission, I would like to archive it to use educationally in the future.

On the other hand, I'm guessing the marks we see on the cheek are more subdued in-hand than under photographic lighting. Easy MS64. If Prooflike on the obverse as well, a $200 coin.

Excellent shots, and I think they will make for the perfect description of "Prooflike" when the question is asked again in the future. Still thinking 64 with the new obverse shots, although maybe not as much a slam dunk as I previously thought - the one southeast-northwest scratch just under the eye is more prominent than I believed.