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✦ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ✦ 1882-S MORGAN DOLLAR San Francisco Mint | NGC MS63 90% Silver | Classic American Dollar The San Francisco Mint photographed circa 1882–1885, the same period in which this Morgan Dollar was struck. An 1882-S Morgan silver dollar struck at the San Francisco Mint and certified NGC MS63 — a surviving piece of America\'s great nineteenth-century silver-dollar era. ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ Coin Details Country United States Date 1882 Denomination One Dollar Type Morgan Dollar Mint San Francisco Mintmark S Mintage 9,250,000 Composition 90% Silver / 10% Copper Weight 26.73 g Diameter 38.1 mm Designer George T. Morgan NGC Grade MS63 NGC Certification 6787551-001 The Morgan Dollar Design Obverse — Liberty George T. Morgan\'s left-facing portrait of Liberty, wearing a cap and agricultural ornamentation, with LIBERTY across her crown. Thirteen stars, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and the date 1882 surround the portrait. Reverse — American Eagle An American eagle with wings outstretched holds arrows and an olive branch, traditionally representing military readiness and peace. A wreath frames the lower design, while the S mintmark identifies the San Francisco Mint. ✦ America\'s Silver Dollar Era
The Morgan Dollar emerged from the national debate over silver and the monetary system of the United States. The Bland-Allison Act of 1878 required the Treasury to purchase large quantities of silver and coin the metal into standard silver dollars.
Western silver production played a major role in this era. San Francisco and Carson City joined Morgan Dollar production during the first year of the series, placing major silver-dollar production close to the mining regions of the American West.
San Francisco — 1882 9,250,000 Morgan Dollars
The San Francisco Mint struck 9,250,000 Morgan Dollars dated 1882.
The imposing mint building shown above had opened in 1874 and was still relatively new when these dollars were produced. The historic photograph dates from approximately 1882–1885, providing a view of the very facility during the era of this coin.
San Francisco Morgan Dollars from this period are also known for generally strong production quality. Numismatic research describes the 1882-S as usually well struck, with many examples displaying strong frosty mint luster.
Decades in Government Vaults
One of the most interesting parts of the 1882-S story is how many of these silver dollars remained stored rather than circulating.
Numismatic research indicates that as late as June 30, 1913, most of the original 1882-S mintage was believed to remain stored at the San Francisco Mint. Some pieces were later transferred to Treasury vaults in Washington.
Uncirculated examples gradually entered the marketplace over the following decades. Additional large quantities appeared during the major Treasury silver-dollar releases of 1962–1964, bringing coins that had spent generations in government storage into the hands of collectors.
George T. Morgan
The dollar takes its familiar name from its designer, George T. Morgan, an English-born engraver who joined the United States Mint and later served as Chief Engraver. His Liberty and eagle designs became among the most recognizable images in American numismatics.
George T. Morgan working at an engraving desk. 1882-S Morgan Dollar Timeline 1878 — Morgan Dollar production begins.
1882 — 9,250,000 Morgan Dollars are struck at San Francisco.
1913 — Much of the 1882-S mintage is still believed to remain in San Francisco Mint storage.
1920s–1950s — Uncirculated examples continue to be released from government holdings.
1962–1964 — Large Treasury releases bring additional 1882-S dollars into the collector market.
Today — This example is certified NGC MS63. ✦ Condition NGC MS63
NGC Certification Number: 6787551-001
This coin has been certified and encapsulated by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC). Please review all listing photographs carefully for the exact coin and holder included, including strike, surfaces, luster, toning, and overall appearance.
✦ A Silver Dollar of the American West
Struck in San Francisco during the height of America\'s great nineteenth-century silver era, the 1882-S Morgan Dollar followed an unusual path. Many examples spent decades stored in government vaults before finally entering circulation or the collector market. This NGC MS63 preserves that history — from Western silver and the San Francisco Mint to the Treasury vaults where generations of Morgan Dollars quietly waited.
WESTBRIDGE COIN ✦ ✦ ✦ Historical images are included for educational and historical context and are not part of the item offered. Old San Francisco Mint photograph: Runnels & Stateler / Library of Congress, Historic American Buildings Survey, public domain.
George T. Morgan image: Alexbikesphilly / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
