PCGS MS-69 Morgan Dollar Showcase

PCGS - Morgan dollars are undoubtedly among the most popular coins in numismatics. However, the Morgan dollar series is also one of the most challenging coin series to collect. There are nearly 100 different regular-issue business strikes, and that doesn't even count all the varieties, proofs, and so on. Among these are several key dates, making it difficult for many collectors to complete a set. Some of the toughest dates are the 1885-CC, 1889-CC, and 1893-S Morgan dollars, and each one of these coins can cost several hundred to several thousand dollars - even in circulated condition. Therefore, obtaining every single coin in the set is, for many collectors, financially impossible. Now, imagine trying to obtain the finest coin for every date and mint mark. It's the numismatic challenge of challenges, but there are many collectors who have taken up this daunting feat.


Morgan dollar, 1881-S $1, PCGS MS69

If we look at the PCGS Set Registry, there are several thousand different Morgan dollar sets, with many containing among the finest examples in existence. Some of the top PCGS Registry Sets even include PCGS MS69 Morgan dollars. Its mesmerizing to see these coins in MS69. Consider the 1880-S Morgan dollar. At PCGS, we have graded just five examples in MS69.

The first question that may come to mind is, "How is an MS69 Morgan dollar even possible? Did a Mint employee pull the coin straight out of the press, set it aside, and then preserve it for many years afterward?" The answer is rather straightforward. Many Morgan dollar issues saw huge percentages of their mintage never reach circulation, leaving a relatively larger pool of uncirculated issues for collectors to choose from today; this, in turn, leaves a higher possibility of finding top-notch specimens. Yet, even still, with hundreds of thousands of Morgan dollars extent in uncirculated condition, only a tiny handful approach the MS69 grade.

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