Why is the 1881-S Morgan Dollar considered desirable among collectors?

San Francisco Mint Morgan dollars are widely prized for their consistently strong strikes and vibrant luster. The 1881-S is a popular date within the series, offering collectors a well-produced, late-Victorian-era silver dollar with broad appeal across all collector levels.

What is the silver content and weight of this coin?

The 1881-S Morgan Dollar is struck in 0.900 fine silver — a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper — with a total weight of 26.73 grams and a diameter of 38.1 mm, making it one of the largest silver coins regularly issued by the U.S. Mint.

1881-S Morgan Silver Dollar PCGS MS63 obverse showing Liberty portrait and 13 stars in PCGS slab

1881-S Morgan Silver Dollar PCGS MS63 — $1 San Francisco Mint

1881-S Morgan Silver Dollar PCGS MS63 — San Francisco Mint $1 Coin

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Certified MS63 by PCGS — a choice uncirculated grade for this classic series
Struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1881, bearing the S mint mark on the reverse
Struck in 0.900 fine silver, weighing 26.73 grams — a full Morgan dollar specification
Obverse features George T. Morgan's iconic Liberty portrait encircled by 13 stars

Specifications

Year: 1881
Mint: San Francisco (S)
Country of Origin: United States
Denomination: $1 (One Dollar)
Metal: Silver
Fineness: 0.900
Weight: 26.73 grams
Diameter: 38.1 mm
Edge: Reeded
Grade: PCGS MS63
Designer: George T. Morgan

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1881-S Morgan Silver Dollar PCGS MS63 — $1 San Francisco Mint

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Reverse displays the heraldic eagle with IN GOD WE TRUST ribbon above

Encapsulated in a tamper-evident PCGS slab with barcode cert #26044224

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SKU: PCGS-26044224

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Quantity

Face Value

$1

SKU

PCGS-26044224

Metal type

Silver

Description

The 1881-S Morgan Silver Dollar, graded MS63 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), is a choice uncirculated example of one of the most celebrated series in American numismatics. Struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1881, this $1 coin carries the distinctive S mint mark visible below the eagle on the reverse — a hallmark of quality from a facility renowned for its well-struck, lustrous Morgan dollars. Designed by George T. Morgan and authorized under the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, the Morgan dollar features a left-facing Liberty portrait on the obverse, crowned with a wheat and cotton wreath, and encircled by thirteen stars representing the original colonies. The reverse presents a heraldic bald eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows and an olive branch, framed by the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DOLLAR. At the MS63 grade, this coin retains full mint luster with only minor contact marks consistent with its Choice Uncirculated designation. Certified and encapsulated in an official PCGS holder bearing cert number 26044224, this piece arrives fully protected and registry-ready for the serious Morgan dollar collector.

Frequently asked questions

MS63, or Choice Uncirculated, indicates this Morgan dollar has never circulated and retains full mint luster. At this grade, PCGS allows for a modest number of minor contact marks or small blemishes, but the coin's surfaces and strike remain well above average for the series.