1879-S Morgan $1 CACG MS64

The 1879-S Morgan Silver Dollar stands as one of the most admired pieces in American coinage history, offering collectors a combination of classic artistry, high-quality production, and tangible connections to the nation’s late 19th-century economic expansion. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this example has been certified by CAC Grading at the MS64 level, placing it among the finer Mint State survivors of the issue.

The Morgan Dollar series was introduced in 1878 as part of the Bland-Allison Act, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase and coin large quantities of silver from Western mines. Named after its designer, George T. Morgan, the coin features a bold and elegant design that quickly became a staple of American numismatics. The obverse presents a detailed portrait of Lady Liberty, her cap decorated with wheat and cotton to symbolize unity between North and South. Around her image are the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” the date of mintage, and thirteen stars honoring the original colonies.

On the reverse, an American bald eagle is shown with wings spread, holding arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other. This imagery reflects the nation’s readiness to defend itself while maintaining a commitment to peace. Above the eagle is the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR” frame the design.

The 1879-S issue is widely recognized for its exceptional strike quality and luster. The San Francisco Mint, known for producing some of the sharpest Morgan Dollars in the series, delivered coins with crisp detail and bright, frosty surfaces. Many pieces were stored in Treasury vaults for decades before being released to collectors, helping preserve them in Mint State condition.

This particular example has been graded MS64 by CACG, meaning it retains strong eye appeal, minimal contact marks, and impressive luster for the grade. The strike is sharp, with full details visible on Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers. Any small abrasions are limited and do not distract from the overall visual impact. The CACG certification ensures that the coin has been thoroughly reviewed for authenticity, grade accuracy, and overall quality, giving collectors added confidence in its desirability and market value.

For collectors, the 1879-S Morgan Silver Dollar offers an opportunity to own a piece of the Old West era, when silver from Nevada’s Comstock Lode was flowing into U.S. Mints. The San Francisco facility played a major role in producing coins that not only circulated domestically but also traveled abroad in trade. In MS64, this coin strikes a balance between high condition and relative affordability, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned collectors and those building a quality type set.

Beyond its numismatic appeal, the Morgan Dollar holds intrinsic value as a silver coin. Struck in 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper, it contains .77344 troy ounces of pure silver. This gives it a bullion component that supports its worth in addition to its historical and collectible significance.

The 1879-S Morgan Silver Dollar remains a favorite among collectors for its beauty, history, and enduring value. With its San Francisco Mint origin, high-grade preservation, and CACG certification, this MS64 example represents a premium choice within the series. It offers the opportunity to own a tangible artifact from a transformative period in U.S. history, when the nation’s coins reflected both its artistic ambition and its economic vitality.

Whether you are expanding a Morgan Dollar date-and-mint set, acquiring a high-quality example for a type collection, or seeking a beautiful silver coin with long-term potential, this 1879-S Morgan Silver Dollar CACG MS64 is an outstanding option. Its combination of artistry, condition, and historical significance ensures it will be appreciated for generations to come.