1884-S Morgan Dollar ($1)

The 1884-S is a semi-key date in the Morgan series with a mintage of just 3.2 million pieces - significantly lower than most other dates. Unlike many Morgan dollars that sat in Treasury bags for decades, most 1884-S coins were released into circulation relatively quickly, making higher grade examples genuinely scarce. Finding choice AU or better examples requires patience and often a willingness to pay strong money.

This NGC AU58 example sits right on the cusp of uncirculated and shows why the grade is so desirable for this date. The surfaces retain strong mint luster with only the slightest traces of wear on Liberty's cheek and the eagle's breast. The coin displays excellent eye appeal with original silver-gray color and remarkably clean fields. Contact marks are minimal and well-hidden, giving this coin a nearly uncirculated appearance that makes it an ideal representative of this challenging San Francisco issue.