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A better date, the 1896-S is common in circulated grades but very scarce in uncirculated condition, especially in MS65 or above. Remarkably, despite the incredible difficulty of locating this issue in Gem, there is at least one example that has managed a grade of MS69. PLs are very rare, with only a few surviving in the Gem range. DMPLs are essentially unknown for this issue.
Obverse Description
Portrait of Liberty centered. On the left are found 7 stars with the words E*PLURIBUS*UNUM followed by 6 stars on the right. The date is positioned at the bottom.
Reverse Description
The heraldic eagle is centered holding a bunch of arrows and branch surrounded by and olive leaves. The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA * ONE DOLLAR frame the periphery. Mint mark, if any, appears above the letters DO of DOLLAR.
Book Reference
Key to Collecting: Although the mintage of 5,000,000 would suggest plenitude in the numismatic market today, such is not the case. Years ago the 1896-S was a key issue in all grades, and today, despite some turned loose in the Treasury releases, the 1896-S is still high on the most-wanted list. Striking varies, but is usually soft. Luster is average or somewhat shallow, not deeply frosty. Bagmarks are a problem. Accordingly, connoisseurship is needed to find a just-right example, an exception to the general rule that San Francisco Mint coins offer few problems. Mint State coins, especially true of MS-64 or higher grades, are rare. Circulated examples are scarce, but not rare. Likely, most of this generous issue went to the melting pot.
Surface Quality: Usually average or a bit below, but sharp pieces can be found with searching. Usually somewhat subdued, unlike most other San Francisco Mint dollars of the era.
Prooflike Coins: Prooflike strikes are rare but win no awards for beauty. This feature was caused by the basining process, and many raised die-swirl lines are usually seen.
Mintage and Distribution: Delivery figures by month: January, 0; February, 100,000; March, 100,000; April, 250,000; May, 300,000; June, 300,000; July, 600,000; August, 750,000; September, 800,000; October, 550,000; November, 800,000; December, 450,000. Probably a million pieces or so were placed into circulation, and most others melted. However, some remained stored at the San Francisco Mint. On occasion a bag or two would be turned loose, but never a flood. By the 1970’s the issue was viewed as being rare in Mint State.
VARIETIES:
Minor varieties of date and mintmark positions.
Catalog Information
GSID:
7627
Designer:
George T. Morgan
Obverse Designer:
George T. Morgan
Obverse Lettering:
E PLURIBUS UNUM, LIBERTY, 1896
Reverse Designer:
George T. Morgan
Reverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN GOD WE TRUST, ONE DOLLAR
Fineness:
0.9
Weight (gr):
26.73 gr
Weight (oz):
0.8594 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.7734 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
38.1
Coin Shape:
Round
Edge:
Reeded
Coin Date:
1896-S
Denomination:
$1
Designation:
MS
Mint Location:
San Francisco
Mint Mark:
S
Mintage:
5,000,000
Coinage Type:
Morgan silver dollar
Coinage Years:
1878-1921
Composition:
90% silver; 10% copper
PCGS #:
7244
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Coin Value History
1896-S $1 MS
Value By Grade
1896-S $1 MS
CPG (retail) values
Currency
Grade Range
Grading Authority
Sort by
Pricing
Values
Greysheet & CPG® Values
| Grade | CAC | CPG Value (Retail) | Greysheet Price (Wholesale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS69 |
|
$864,000 | $1,234 |
| MS69 | - | $600,000 | $1,234 |
| MS67 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS67 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS66 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS66 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS65 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS65 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS64 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS64 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS63 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS63 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS62 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS62 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS61 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS61 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS60 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS60 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU58 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU58 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU55 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU55 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU53 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU53 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU50 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU50 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF45 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF45 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF40 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF40 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF35 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF35 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF30 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF30 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF25 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF25 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF20 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF20 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| F15 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| F15 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| F12 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| F12 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG10 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG10 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG8 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG8 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| G6 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| G6 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| G4 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| G4 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AG3 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AG3 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AG2 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AG2 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
Morgan $1 Pre-1921 MS [Type]
![Morgan $1 Pre-1921 MS [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ProductImages/DLRC/194xxx/a15b3867-56c4-4feb-9ccd-68ae7da30226.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $41 – $80,000
Morgan $1 Pre-1921 MS PL [Type]
![Morgan $1 Pre-1921 MS PL [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ctc/catalog/90o-pl-obv.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $50 – $7,800
Morgan $1 Pre-1921 MS DMPL [Type]
![Morgan $1 Pre-1921 MS DMPL [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ctc/catalog/84cc-dmpl-obv.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $75 – $42,000
Morgan $1 Carson City Mint MS [Type]
![Morgan $1 Carson City Mint MS [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ProductImages/DLRC/416xxx/e90065e0-537f-4db8-b2b8-efacd6817cff.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $70 – $50,000
Morgan $1 Carson City Mint, GSA Hoard Hard package MS [Type]
![Morgan $1 Carson City Mint, GSA Hoard Hard package MS [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/Ctc/CatalogEntry/ha_com_1314_4280-3.20200626010427369.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $270 – $5,400
1878 8TF $1 MS
Worth: $40 – $102,000
1878 8TF $1 MS PL
Worth: $200 – $4,400
1878 8TF $1 MS DMPL
Worth: $575 – $27,000
1878 7TF $1 Reverse of 1878 MS
Worth: $41 – $3,200
1878 7TF $1 Reverse of 1878 MS PL
Worth: $72 – $6,600
1878 7TF $1 Reverse of 1878 MS DMPL
Worth: $240 – $42,000
1878 7/8TF $1 Strong MS
Worth: $45 – $26,400
1878 7/8TF $1 Strong MS PL
Worth: $200 – $9,900
1878 7/8TF $1 Strong MS DMPL
Worth: $425 – $30,000
1878 7/8TF $1 Weak MS
Worth: $41 – $3,200
1896-S Morgan Silver Dollar. XF-40 (PCGS).
$60
1896-S $1 AU50 PCGS. CDN: $1,000 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS AU50. Mintage 5,000,000. ...
$1,129
1896-S $1 AU55 PCGS. CDN: $1,500 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS AU55. Mintage 5,000,000. ...
$1,830
1896-S $1 MS66 PCGS. ...
$56,120
1896-S $1 MS64+ NGC. VAM-2. The 1896-S mintage of 5 million pieces suggests moderate availability in Mint State, but heavy ...
$5,856
1896-S $1 VF30 PCGS. CDN: $200 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS VF30. Mintage 5,000,000. ...
$201
1896-S $1 MS61 PCGS. VAM-2....
$3,000
1896-S $1 Fine 15 PCGS. CDN: $105 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS Fine 15. Mintage 5,000,000. ...
$124
1896-S $1 VF35 NGC. Mintage 5,000,000. ...
$260
1896-S $1 MS62 PCGS....
$3,360
1896-S $1 VF20 PCGS. Mintage 5,000,000. ...
$159
1896-S $1 AU53 PCGS. Mintage 5,000,000. ...
$1,320
1896-S $1 XF45 PCGS. Mintage 5,000,000. ...
$566
1896-S $1 MS63 PCGS. CAC. VAM-2....
$4,440
1896-S $1 VF25 NGC. Mintage 5,000,000. ...
$154
1896-S $1 MS65 PCGS....
$11,100
1896-S $1 Fine 12 NGC. Mintage 5,000,000. ...
$81
1896-S $1 AU58 PCGS. PCGS Population: (70/1704 and 1/83+). Mintage 5,000,000. ...
$2,520
1896-S $1 VG10 NGC. NGC Census: (74/2429). PCGS Population: (62/4214). CDN: $52 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS VG10. Mintage 5,000...
$46
1896-S $1 ANACS VG-08
$80
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