An exemplar of United States coinage from the late 19th century, this particular piece represents a segment of the Morgan dollar series produced at the San Francisco Mint. Its composition consists primarily of silver, and its face value is one dollar. The “S” mint mark identifies its origin. As an example, a well-preserved coin of this type may exhibit sharp details and luster, commanding a premium among numismatists.
The significance of this coin lies in its historical context and metallic content. It reflects the economic and political climate of the time, specifically the debates surrounding silver coinage and its role in the national economy. Moreover, its intrinsic value, based on the silver it contains, makes it an attractive asset for collectors and investors alike. Scarce varieties or those in exceptional condition are particularly sought after.
Understanding the specifics of mintage figures, grading standards, and market values is essential for anyone interested in collecting or investing in this specific coin, or the broader field of numismatics. These factors contribute to its desirability and overall worth.
1. San Francisco Mint
The San Francisco Mint played a crucial role in the production of United States coinage, and its output of the 1879 silver dollar series is particularly significant. The presence of the “S” mint mark on these coins directly identifies their origin, influencing their historical importance and numismatic value.
-
Production Volume
The San Francisco Mint’s production volume of the 1879 silver dollar affected its overall scarcity. Higher mintage numbers typically lead to lower individual values for common examples, while lower mintage years or varieties from the same mint are often more sought after by collectors. For instance, the relative abundance or scarcity of 1879-S dollars in various grades directly reflects the mint’s operational capacity that year.
-
Quality Control
The quality control standards at the San Francisco Mint impacted the strike and appearance of the 1879 silver dollars. Coins exhibiting sharper details, fewer imperfections, and strong luster are considered more desirable and command higher prices. Instances of weakly struck coins or those with notable mint errors originating from this mint are also documented, contributing to the diversity within this series.
-
Historical Significance
The San Francisco Mint’s role in producing silver dollars during this period reflects the economic and political climate surrounding silver coinage. The Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which mandated the purchase and coinage of silver, directly impacted the mint’s operations. The 1879-S dollar serves as a tangible representation of this legislation and the ongoing debates about silver’s role in the United States monetary system.
-
Geographical Context
Located in the heart of the Comstock Lode silver mining region, the San Francisco Mint had direct access to a significant source of silver bullion. This proximity influenced the scale and efficiency of silver dollar production. The mint’s location also contributed to its unique identity and its association with the Western United States during a period of rapid industrial and economic expansion.
The combination of production volume, quality control, historical context, and geographical location underscores the importance of the San Francisco Mint in understanding the characteristics and value of the 1879 silver dollar. Each of these facets contributes to the coin’s story and its significance within the broader context of United States numismatics.
2. Morgan Design
The “Morgan Design” is inextricably linked to the 1879 silver dollar produced at the San Francisco Mint. This design, crafted by George T. Morgan, is not merely aesthetic; it is a defining element that dictates the coin’s identity, collectibility, and historical significance.
-
Obverse Depiction: Liberty
The obverse of the 1879-S silver dollar features a profile of Liberty, a personification of the United States. This depiction, adorned with a Phrygian cap and a wreath of wheat and cotton, symbolizes freedom and agricultural prosperity. The detail and quality of this design element significantly influence the coin’s grade and, consequently, its value. A sharp, well-defined Liberty contributes to higher numismatic appeal.
-
Reverse Depiction: Eagle
The reverse showcases an eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, representing the nation’s readiness for both war and peace. The motto “In God We Trust” appears above the eagle, reflecting the religious sentiment of the era. Clear and distinct details on the eagle, particularly the feathers and arrows, are critical factors in assessing the coin’s condition and determining its market price.
-
Design Consistency and Variations
While the overall design remains consistent across Morgan dollars, subtle variations exist, particularly in strike quality and die characteristics. Examining the 1879-S dollar for these variations, such as doubled die errors or repunched mint marks, can reveal rare and highly sought-after examples. A thorough understanding of these nuances is essential for serious collectors.
-
Impact on Collectibility
The “Morgan Design” itself is a primary driver of the coin’s collectibility. Its intricate details, historical context, and widespread recognition make it a popular choice among numismatists. The aesthetic appeal of the design, combined with the coin’s silver content and historical significance, contributes to its enduring popularity and value in the coin collecting market.
The “Morgan Design,” therefore, is far more than just a visual element; it is a fundamental aspect of the 1879-S silver dollar’s identity, impacting its grade, value, and collectibility. Appreciation of the design nuances requires a deep understanding of numismatic principles and historical context, factors essential to valuing these historic coins.
3. Silver Content
The intrinsic value of the 1879 silver dollar produced at the San Francisco Mint is fundamentally tied to its silver content. This coin, like other Morgan dollars, is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, resulting in a net silver weight of approximately 0.77344 troy ounces. The market value of silver directly influences the base value of the coin, providing a floor price that fluctuates with the commodity market. For example, a significant increase in silver prices invariably drives up the minimum value of all 1879-S silver dollars, irrespective of their numismatic grade or condition.
The silver content also affects the coin’s physical characteristics and preservation. Silver is a relatively soft metal, making these coins susceptible to wear and tear. The degree of wear, coupled with environmental factors, impacts the coin’s grade and, consequently, its collectability. Coins exhibiting heavy wear due to circulation might have a lower silver value premium compared to uncirculated examples. Furthermore, the silver content dictates appropriate cleaning and storage methods. Improper handling can lead to irreversible damage, diminishing both its metallic and numismatic worth. Tarnishing, a chemical reaction between silver and environmental elements, is a common issue, necessitating careful handling to prevent deterioration.
Understanding the silver content of the 1879-S silver dollar is crucial for both investors and collectors. It provides a baseline for valuation, influences preservation practices, and highlights the interplay between commodity prices and numismatic value. This understanding allows for informed decision-making, whether acquiring these coins for investment or appreciating them for their historical and artistic significance. While numismatic value hinges on rarity and condition, the silver content establishes a tangible, underlying worth that distinguishes it from purely commemorative tokens.
4. Mint Mark Location
The mint mark location on the 1879 silver dollar produced at the San Francisco Mint is a crucial identifier for numismatists. Its placement, though seemingly minor, provides essential information about the coin’s origin and influences its value.
-
Standard Placement
The “S” mint mark, indicating San Francisco Mint production, is located on the reverse of the 1879 silver dollar, positioned below the wreath. This consistent placement allows for easy identification. Any deviation from this standard location would be considered an error, potentially increasing the coin’s value due to its rarity. For example, a double mint mark or an absent mint mark would be a notable anomaly.
-
Authentication Tool
The mint mark location serves as a critical tool in authenticating 1879-S silver dollars. Counterfeit coins may exhibit incorrectly placed or poorly formed mint marks. Numismatists meticulously examine the size, shape, and positioning of the “S” to verify the coin’s genuineness. Discrepancies in these details are often indicative of a spurious coin. Reference materials illustrating the correct mint mark characteristics are indispensable in this process.
-
Impact on Value
While the presence of the “S” mint mark distinguishes the 1879 silver dollar as originating from San Francisco, the specific clarity and sharpness of the mint mark can impact its value. A well-defined, clearly struck mint mark is generally more desirable than a weakly struck or partially obscured one. Coins with exceptionally sharp mint marks may command a premium among collectors, especially in higher grades.
-
Distinguishing Varieties
Although the 1879-S typically exhibits a standard mint mark placement, variations in the die state can lead to subtle differences in the mint mark’s appearance. These variations, while often minor, can help numismatists distinguish different die pairings and identify specific varieties within the 1879-S series. A detailed study of these minute differences requires specialized knowledge and magnification tools.
The consistent yet significant role of the mint mark location in identifying, authenticating, and valuing the 1879 silver dollar underscores its importance in numismatic study. It is a critical element that links each coin to its specific place of origin and influences its overall worth in the collectors’ market. This is a reminder to closely examine the details.
5. Condition Grading
Condition grading is paramount in determining the value of an 1879 silver dollar struck at the San Francisco Mint. It reflects the coin’s physical state, directly affecting its desirability and market price. The Sheldon Scale, ranging from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect Uncirculated), provides a standardized system for assessing wear, surface preservation, and eye appeal. A coin graded MS (Mint State) 65, for example, exhibits above-average luster and minimal imperfections, commanding a significantly higher price than a comparable coin graded AU (About Uncirculated) 55, which shows light wear on the high points. The effect of condition is quantifiable; a difference of a single grade point can translate to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in value.
Professional grading services, such as PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation), assign these grades after rigorous examination. These services encapsulate the coins in inert holders, preserving their condition and providing a guarantee of authenticity and grade. This third-party assessment reduces subjectivity and instills confidence in buyers and sellers. For instance, an 1879-S silver dollar graded PCGS MS64 is generally considered more valuable than an ungraded example of similar appearance, due to the assurance of its condition and protection against counterfeiting or alteration. The grading process assesses factors like luster, strike, surface marks, and wear to provide a comprehensive evaluation.
Understanding condition grading is crucial for both collectors and investors in 1879-S silver dollars. It provides a framework for assessing value, making informed purchasing decisions, and ensuring proper preservation. While subjective elements like eye appeal contribute to value, the objective assessment of condition, as formalized by grading services, remains the cornerstone of numismatic evaluation. Recognizing the subtle differences between grades empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of the coin market and build valuable collections or investment portfolios.
6. Mintage Figures
The mintage figure for the 1879 silver dollar produced at the San Francisco Mint directly correlates with its scarcity and, consequently, its numismatic value. The San Francisco Mint struck 9,110,000 of these coins in 1879. This relatively high mintage, compared to other years or mints in the Morgan dollar series, generally results in a lower individual value for circulated examples. However, the absolute number is only part of the equation; condition and the number of surviving, high-grade coins significantly influence market prices. For instance, while millions were initially produced, the number of 1879-S dollars graded MS65 or higher by PCGS and NGC is considerably smaller, driving up their value due to scarcity in those specific grades.
The mintage figure’s impact extends to determining the probability of finding particular varieties or errors among the 1879-S dollars. A higher mintage increases the likelihood of encountering minor die variations or striking errors. However, identifying these specific instances requires meticulous examination and expertise. The survival rate of these coins, influenced by factors such as melting for silver content during periods of high silver prices, also affects the availability of the original mintage. Therefore, the initial mintage figure serves as a starting point, while subsequent events and human actions shape the coin’s current scarcity and value.
In summary, understanding the mintage figure provides a baseline context for assessing the 1879-S silver dollar’s value. It’s a key factor to consider alongside condition, survival rate, and the presence of any distinguishing varieties or errors. While the initial mintage suggests a relatively common coin, the reality of numismatic value is far more complex, influenced by market dynamics and the rarity of specific grades and variations. The informed collector or investor must therefore consider the mintage figure in conjunction with other relevant factors to make sound decisions.
7. Numismatic Value
The numismatic value of the 1879 silver dollar produced at the San Francisco Mint transcends its intrinsic silver content, reflecting its historical significance, rarity, condition, and aesthetic appeal to collectors. The interplay of these elements defines its worth in the numismatic market. For instance, while all 1879-S dollars contain approximately 0.77344 troy ounces of silver, their prices vary drastically based on their grade, ranging from a few dollars above the silver spot price for heavily circulated examples to thousands of dollars for pristine, uncirculated specimens. This difference highlights the significant impact of numismatic factors beyond the coin’s material composition.
The coin’s numismatic value is directly influenced by its condition, as assessed through professional grading services like PCGS and NGC. Higher grades indicate better preservation and aesthetic quality, thereby increasing the coin’s desirability among collectors. The presence of specific varieties, such as repunched mint marks or doubled die errors, can also significantly enhance its value, as these variations represent unique instances within the broader mintage. Real-world examples include 1879-S dollars with exceptionally strong strikes or minimal bag marks that command premium prices due to their superior eye appeal and relative scarcity within their grade. Therefore, a deep understanding of grading standards and variety identification is essential for anyone seeking to accurately assess the coin’s numismatic worth.
In conclusion, the numismatic value of the 1879-S silver dollar is a complex metric shaped by multiple interacting factors. While the silver content establishes a base value, its condition, rarity, historical context, and any unique attributes ultimately determine its market price. Appreciating these nuances allows collectors and investors to make informed decisions and recognize the true worth of these historic coins, acknowledging that its value is determined on its numismatic value. The challenge lies in accurately assessing these factors, requiring a combination of expertise, research, and access to reliable market data.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the 1879 silver dollar produced at the San Francisco Mint. It aims to clarify aspects of its value, history, and identification.
Question 1: What factors primarily determine the value of an 1879 silver dollar (S Mint)?
The primary determinants of value include its condition (graded on the Sheldon Scale), rarity (considering mintage figures and surviving population), and the presence of any notable varieties or errors. The market demand also influences the price.
Question 2: How does the “S” mint mark affect the value of a 1879 silver dollar?
The “S” mint mark indicates that the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. The mintage figures from this mint, combined with the coin’s condition, determine its relative scarcity and, consequently, its value. Coins from mints with lower mintage numbers often command higher premiums.
Question 3: What are the key characteristics to examine when authenticating an 1879 silver dollar (S Mint)?
Key characteristics include the sharpness and placement of the “S” mint mark, the overall strike quality, the planchet’s weight and dimensions, and the presence of any signs of counterfeiting, such as tooling marks or incorrect details. Comparison to known authentic examples is crucial.
Question 4: What is the approximate silver content of an 1879 silver dollar (S Mint), and how does this affect its value?
An 1879 silver dollar contains approximately 0.77344 troy ounces of silver. The market value of silver provides a base value for the coin, but its numismatic value, determined by its condition and rarity, often exceeds the melt value significantly.
Question 5: How should an 1879 silver dollar (S Mint) be stored to maintain its condition and value?
Proper storage involves handling the coin by its edges with cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils or contaminants. Storing it in an inert, archival-quality holder or a coin album designed for long-term preservation is recommended. Avoiding exposure to direct sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperature fluctuations is essential.
Question 6: Where can one obtain a reliable appraisal of an 1879 silver dollar (S Mint)?
A reliable appraisal can be obtained from reputable coin dealers, professional numismatists affiliated with organizations like the American Numismatic Association (ANA), or third-party grading services such as PCGS and NGC. These entities possess the expertise to accurately assess the coin’s grade, authenticity, and market value.
In summary, assessing the value of this coin requires careful attention to detail. Understanding its composition, production location, and preservation directly determine its numismatic worth. Consult with numismatic experts when assessing and dealing with coins.
The following section explores investment opportunities and relevant market trends.
“1879 silver dollar s”
Navigating the market for the 1879 silver dollar produced at the San Francisco Mint requires careful consideration and informed strategies. The following tips are designed to enhance decision-making for both novice and experienced numismatists.
Tip 1: Prioritize Certified Grading. Authentication and grading by reputable services (PCGS or NGC) are crucial. Encapsulated coins provide assurance of grade and authenticity, minimizing risk.
Tip 2: Research Recent Auction Results. Monitor auction records to gauge current market values. Sites like Heritage Auctions and eBay provide data on completed sales of 1879-S dollars in various grades. Observing the final prices paid for similar coins informs bidding strategies and pricing expectations.
Tip 3: Scrutinize Mint Mark Characteristics. The “S” mint mark can exhibit subtle variations. Familiarize oneself with legitimate examples to identify potential counterfeits or rare die varieties. Use high-resolution images and reference guides for accurate comparison.
Tip 4: Assess Luster and Surface Quality. Original luster is a key indicator of an uncirculated coin’s condition. Avoid coins with evidence of cleaning or artificial toning, as these diminish value. Inspect the surface for hairlines, bag marks, and other imperfections that affect grade.
Tip 5: Account for Silver Spot Price Fluctuations. While numismatic value predominates, track silver spot prices as they establish a floor value. Significant increases may make lower-grade examples attractive for their metal content.
Tip 6: Verify provenance. Seek to establish and corroborate the origin, or ‘provenance,’ of the coin prior to investing. If available, certified historical records may increase value.
Tip 7: Understand Market Trends. Recognize that the numismatic market is subject to fluctuations based on economic conditions, collector demand, and evolving tastes. Stay informed through industry publications and dealer networks.
By adhering to these guidelines, both collectors and investors can mitigate risks and maximize opportunities within the 1879 silver dollar market. Knowledge of the coin, its provenance, and the ever-changing market conditions are integral to informed, profitble and wise purchasing.
The succeeding section provides concluding insights and resources for continued learning.
Concluding Remarks on the 1879 Silver Dollar (S Mint)
The preceding analysis has underscored the multifaceted nature of the 1879 silver dollar produced at the San Francisco Mint. From its historical context and design elements to the intricacies of grading, mintage figures, and numismatic value, this coin embodies a complex interplay of factors that determine its significance within the collector market. Diligent research and critical evaluation are paramount for anyone seeking to engage with this coin, whether for investment or historical appreciation.
Continued exploration of the 1879-S silver dollar necessitates a commitment to lifelong learning and engagement with the numismatic community. As market dynamics and historical understanding evolve, maintaining vigilance and adapting strategies are critical for informed decision-making. The enduring appeal of this coin lies not only in its silver content but also in its representation of a pivotal era in American history, urging future generations to continue its study and preservation.
