An exemplar of United States coinage from the late nineteenth century, this specific piece represents a section of the Morgan greenback sequence produced on the San Francisco Mint. Its composition consists primarily of silver, and its face worth is one greenback. The “S” mint mark identifies its origin. For instance, a well-preserved coin of this sort could exhibit sharp particulars and luster, commanding a premium amongst numismatists.
The importance of this coin lies in its historic context and metallic content material. It displays the financial and political local weather of the time, particularly the debates surrounding silver coinage and its function within the nationwide economic system. Furthermore, its intrinsic worth, based mostly on the silver it incorporates, makes it a lovely asset for collectors and buyers alike. Scarce varieties or these in distinctive situation are significantly wanted.
Understanding the specifics of mintage figures, grading requirements, and market values is crucial for anybody concerned with gathering or investing on this particular coin, or the broader discipline of numismatics. These components contribute to its desirability and total value.
1. San Francisco Mint
The San Francisco Mint performed a vital function within the manufacturing of United States coinage, and its output of the 1879 silver greenback sequence is especially important. The presence of the “S” mint mark on these cash immediately identifies their origin, influencing their historic significance and numismatic worth.
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Manufacturing Quantity
The San Francisco Mint’s manufacturing quantity of the 1879 silver greenback affected its total shortage. Increased mintage numbers usually result in decrease particular person values for widespread examples, whereas decrease mintage years or varieties from the identical mint are sometimes extra wanted by collectors. As an illustration, the relative abundance or shortage of 1879-S {dollars} in numerous grades immediately displays the mint’s operational capability that yr.
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High quality Management
The standard management requirements on the San Francisco Mint impacted the strike and look of the 1879 silver {dollars}. Cash exhibiting sharper particulars, fewer imperfections, and robust luster are thought-about extra fascinating and command larger costs. Cases of weakly struck cash or these with notable mint errors originating from this mint are additionally documented, contributing to the variety inside this sequence.
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Historic Significance
The San Francisco Mint’s function in producing silver {dollars} throughout this era displays the financial and political local weather surrounding silver coinage. The Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which mandated the acquisition and coinage of silver, immediately impacted the mint’s operations. The 1879-S greenback serves as a tangible illustration of this laws and the continued debates about silver’s function in the US financial system.
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Geographical Context
Situated within the coronary heart of the Comstock Lode silver mining area, the San Francisco Mint had direct entry to a major supply of silver bullion. This proximity influenced the dimensions and effectivity of silver greenback manufacturing. The mint’s location additionally contributed to its distinctive identification and its affiliation with the Western United States throughout a interval of fast industrial and financial enlargement.
The mixture of manufacturing quantity, high quality management, historic context, and geographical location underscores the significance of the San Francisco Mint in understanding the traits and worth of the 1879 silver greenback. Every of those aspects contributes to the coin’s story and its significance throughout the broader context of United States numismatics.
2. Morgan Design
The “Morgan Design” is inextricably linked to the 1879 silver greenback produced on the San Francisco Mint. This design, crafted by George T. Morgan, isn’t merely aesthetic; it’s a defining aspect that dictates the coin’s identification, collectibility, and historic significance.
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Obverse Depiction: Liberty
The obverse of the 1879-S silver greenback contains a profile of Liberty, a personification of the US. This depiction, adorned with a Phrygian cap and a wreath of wheat and cotton, symbolizes freedom and agricultural prosperity. The element and high quality of this design aspect considerably affect the coin’s grade and, consequently, its worth. A pointy, well-defined Liberty contributes to larger numismatic enchantment.
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Reverse Depiction: Eagle
The reverse showcases an eagle clutching arrows and an olive department, representing the nation’s readiness for each warfare and peace. The motto “In God We Belief” seems above the eagle, reflecting the spiritual sentiment of the period. Clear and distinct particulars on the eagle, significantly the feathers and arrows, are vital components in assessing the coin’s situation and figuring out its market worth.
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Design Consistency and Variations
Whereas the general design stays constant throughout Morgan {dollars}, refined variations exist, significantly in strike high quality and die traits. Analyzing the 1879-S greenback for these variations, akin to doubled die errors or repunched mint marks, can reveal uncommon and extremely sought-after examples. An intensive understanding of those nuances is crucial for severe collectors.
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Impression on Collectibility
The “Morgan Design” itself is a major driver of the coin’s collectibility. Its intricate particulars, historic context, and widespread recognition make it a preferred alternative amongst numismatists. The aesthetic enchantment of the design, mixed with the coin’s silver content material and historic significance, contributes to its enduring recognition and worth within the coin gathering market.
The “Morgan Design,” subsequently, is way over only a visible aspect; it’s a basic facet of the 1879-S silver greenback’s identification, impacting its grade, worth, and collectibility. Appreciation of the design nuances requires a deep understanding of numismatic rules and historic context, components important to valuing these historic cash.
3. Silver Content material
The intrinsic worth of the 1879 silver greenback produced on the San Francisco Mint is basically tied to its silver content material. This coin, like different Morgan {dollars}, consists of 90% silver and 10% copper, leading to a internet silver weight of roughly 0.77344 troy ounces. The market worth of silver immediately influences the bottom worth of the coin, offering a ground worth that fluctuates with the commodity market. For instance, a major enhance in silver costs invariably drives up the minimal worth of all 1879-S silver {dollars}, no matter their numismatic grade or situation.
The silver content material additionally impacts the coin’s bodily traits and preservation. Silver is a comparatively comfortable metallic, making these cash vulnerable to put on and tear. The diploma of wear and tear, coupled with environmental components, impacts the coin’s grade and, consequently, its collectability. Cash exhibiting heavy put on because of circulation might need a decrease silver worth premium in comparison with uncirculated examples. Moreover, the silver content material dictates acceptable cleansing and storage strategies. Improper dealing with can result in irreversible injury, diminishing each its metallic and numismatic value. Tarnishing, a chemical response between silver and environmental parts, is a typical difficulty, necessitating cautious dealing with to stop deterioration.
Understanding the silver content material of the 1879-S silver greenback is essential for each buyers and collectors. It offers a baseline for valuation, influences preservation practices, and highlights the interaction between commodity costs and numismatic worth. This understanding permits for knowledgeable decision-making, whether or not buying these cash for funding or appreciating them for his or her historic and inventive significance. Whereas numismatic worth hinges on rarity and situation, the silver content material establishes a tangible, underlying value that distinguishes it from purely commemorative tokens.
4. Mint Mark Location
The mint mark location on the 1879 silver greenback produced on the San Francisco Mint is an important identifier for numismatists. Its placement, although seemingly minor, offers important details about the coin’s origin and influences its worth.
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Normal Placement
The “S” mint mark, indicating San Francisco Mint manufacturing, is situated on the reverse of the 1879 silver greenback, positioned under the wreath. This constant placement permits for straightforward identification. Any deviation from this commonplace location could be thought-about an error, doubtlessly rising the coin’s worth because of its rarity. For instance, a double mint mark or an absent mint mark could be a notable anomaly.
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Authentication Instrument
The mint mark location serves as a vital instrument in authenticating 1879-S silver {dollars}. Counterfeit cash could exhibit incorrectly positioned or poorly shaped mint marks. Numismatists meticulously study the scale, form, and positioning of the “S” to confirm the coin’s genuineness. Discrepancies in these particulars are sometimes indicative of a spurious coin. Reference supplies illustrating the proper mint mark traits are indispensable on this course of.
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Impression on Worth
Whereas the presence of the “S” mint mark distinguishes the 1879 silver greenback as originating from San Francisco, the precise readability and sharpness of the mint mark can impression its worth. A well-defined, clearly struck mint mark is usually extra fascinating than a weakly struck or partially obscured one. Cash with exceptionally sharp mint marks could command a premium amongst collectors, particularly in larger grades.
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Distinguishing Varieties
Though the 1879-S usually reveals a normal mint mark placement, variations within the die state can result in refined variations within the mint mark’s look. These variations, whereas usually minor, will help numismatists distinguish completely different die pairings and determine particular varieties throughout the 1879-S sequence. An in depth research of those minute variations requires specialised information and magnification instruments.
The constant but important function of the mint mark location in figuring out, authenticating, and valuing the 1879 silver greenback underscores its significance in numismatic research. It’s a vital aspect that hyperlinks every coin to its particular fatherland and influences its total value within the collectors’ market. It is a reminder to intently study the small print.
5. Situation Grading
Situation grading is paramount in figuring out the worth of an 1879 silver greenback struck on the San Francisco Mint. It displays the coin’s bodily state, immediately affecting its desirability and market worth. The Sheldon Scale, starting from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Excellent Uncirculated), offers a standardized system for assessing put on, floor preservation, and eye enchantment. A coin graded MS (Mint State) 65, for instance, reveals above-average luster and minimal imperfections, commanding a considerably larger worth than a comparable coin graded AU (About Uncirculated) 55, which reveals gentle put on on the excessive factors. The impact of situation is quantifiable; a distinction of a single grade level can translate to lots of and even hundreds of {dollars} in worth.
Skilled grading companies, akin to PCGS (Skilled Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Warranty Company), assign these grades after rigorous examination. These companies encapsulate the cash in inert holders, preserving their situation and offering a assure of authenticity and grade. This third-party evaluation reduces subjectivity and instills confidence in consumers and sellers. As an illustration, an 1879-S silver greenback graded PCGS MS64 is usually thought-about extra invaluable than an ungraded instance of comparable look, as a result of assurance of its situation and safety towards counterfeiting or alteration. The grading course of assesses components like luster, strike, floor marks, and put on to offer a complete analysis.
Understanding situation grading is essential for each collectors and buyers in 1879-S silver {dollars}. It offers a framework for assessing worth, making knowledgeable buying selections, and guaranteeing correct preservation. Whereas subjective parts like eye enchantment contribute to worth, the target evaluation of situation, as formalized by grading companies, stays the cornerstone of numismatic analysis. Recognizing the refined variations between grades empowers people to navigate the complexities of the coin market and construct invaluable collections or funding portfolios.
6. Mintage Figures
The mintage determine for the 1879 silver greenback produced on the San Francisco Mint immediately correlates with its shortage and, consequently, its numismatic worth. The San Francisco Mint struck 9,110,000 of those cash in 1879. This comparatively excessive mintage, in comparison with different years or mints within the Morgan greenback sequence, usually ends in a decrease particular person worth for circulated examples. Nonetheless, absolutely the quantity is simply a part of the equation; situation and the variety of surviving, high-grade cash considerably affect market costs. As an illustration, whereas tens of millions have been initially produced, the variety of 1879-S {dollars} graded MS65 or larger by PCGS and NGC is significantly smaller, driving up their worth because of shortage in these particular grades.
The mintage determine’s impression extends to figuring out the chance of discovering specific varieties or errors among the many 1879-S {dollars}. A better mintage will increase the probability of encountering minor die variations or putting errors. Nonetheless, figuring out these particular situations requires meticulous examination and experience. The survival charge of those cash, influenced by components akin to melting for silver content material during times of excessive silver costs, additionally impacts the supply of the unique mintage. Subsequently, the preliminary mintage determine serves as a place to begin, whereas subsequent occasions and human actions form the coin’s present shortage and worth.
In abstract, understanding the mintage determine offers a baseline context for assessing the 1879-S silver greenback’s worth. It is a key issue to contemplate alongside situation, survival charge, and the presence of any distinguishing varieties or errors. Whereas the preliminary mintage suggests a comparatively widespread coin, the fact of numismatic worth is much extra advanced, influenced by market dynamics and the rarity of particular grades and variations. The knowledgeable collector or investor should subsequently think about the mintage determine together with different related components to make sound selections.
7. Numismatic Worth
The numismatic worth of the 1879 silver greenback produced on the San Francisco Mint transcends its intrinsic silver content material, reflecting its historic significance, rarity, situation, and aesthetic enchantment to collectors. The interaction of those parts defines its value within the numismatic market. As an illustration, whereas all 1879-S {dollars} include roughly 0.77344 troy ounces of silver, their costs differ drastically based mostly on their grade, starting from a couple of {dollars} above the silver spot worth for closely circulated examples to hundreds of {dollars} for pristine, uncirculated specimens. This distinction highlights the numerous impression of numismatic components past the coin’s materials composition.
The coin’s numismatic worth is immediately influenced by its situation, as assessed by skilled grading companies like PCGS and NGC. Increased grades point out higher preservation and aesthetic high quality, thereby rising the coin’s desirability amongst collectors. The presence of particular varieties, akin to repunched mint marks or doubled die errors, can even considerably improve its worth, as these variations characterize distinctive situations throughout the broader mintage. Actual-world examples embody 1879-S {dollars} with exceptionally sturdy strikes or minimal bag marks that command premium costs because of their superior eye enchantment and relative shortage inside their grade. Subsequently, a deep understanding of grading requirements and selection identification is crucial for anybody in search of to precisely assess the coin’s numismatic value.
In conclusion, the numismatic worth of the 1879-S silver greenback is a posh metric formed by a number of interacting components. Whereas the silver content material establishes a base worth, its situation, rarity, historic context, and any distinctive attributes in the end decide its market worth. Appreciating these nuances permits collectors and buyers to make knowledgeable selections and acknowledge the true value of those historic cash, acknowledging that its worth is decided on its numismatic worth. The problem lies in precisely assessing these components, requiring a mix of experience, analysis, and entry to dependable market knowledge.
Often Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning the 1879 silver greenback produced on the San Francisco Mint. It goals to make clear facets of its worth, historical past, and identification.
Query 1: What components primarily decide the worth of an 1879 silver greenback (S Mint)?
The first determinants of worth embody its situation (graded on the Sheldon Scale), rarity (contemplating mintage figures and surviving inhabitants), and the presence of any notable varieties or errors. The market demand additionally influences the value.
Query 2: How does the “S” mint mark have an effect on the worth of a 1879 silver greenback?
The “S” mint mark signifies that the coin was struck on the San Francisco Mint. The mintage figures from this mint, mixed with the coin’s situation, decide its relative shortage and, consequently, its worth. Cash from mints with decrease mintage numbers usually command larger premiums.
Query 3: What are the important thing traits to look at when authenticating an 1879 silver greenback (S Mint)?
Key traits embody the sharpness and placement of the “S” mint mark, the general strike high quality, the planchet’s weight and dimensions, and the presence of any indicators of counterfeiting, akin to tooling marks or incorrect particulars. Comparability to recognized genuine examples is essential.
Query 4: What’s the approximate silver content material of an 1879 silver greenback (S Mint), and the way does this have an effect on its worth?
An 1879 silver greenback incorporates roughly 0.77344 troy ounces of silver. The market worth of silver offers a base worth for the coin, however its numismatic worth, decided by its situation and rarity, usually exceeds the soften worth considerably.
Query 5: How ought to an 1879 silver greenback (S Mint) be saved to take care of its situation and worth?
Correct storage entails dealing with the coin by its edges with cotton gloves to keep away from transferring oils or contaminants. Storing it in an inert, archival-quality holder or a coin album designed for long-term preservation is really useful. Avoiding publicity to direct daylight, humidity, and excessive temperature fluctuations is crucial.
Query 6: The place can one get hold of a dependable appraisal of an 1879 silver greenback (S Mint)?
A dependable appraisal may be obtained from respected coin sellers, skilled numismatists affiliated with organizations just like the American Numismatic Affiliation (ANA), or third-party grading companies akin to PCGS and NGC. These entities possess the experience to precisely assess the coin’s grade, authenticity, and market worth.
In abstract, assessing the worth of this coin requires cautious consideration to element. Understanding its composition, manufacturing location, and preservation immediately decide its numismatic value. Seek the advice of with numismatic specialists when assessing and coping with cash.
The next part explores funding alternatives and related market developments.
“1879 silver greenback s”
Navigating the marketplace for the 1879 silver greenback produced on the San Francisco Mint requires cautious consideration and knowledgeable methods. The next ideas are designed to reinforce decision-making for each novice and skilled numismatists.
Tip 1: Prioritize Licensed Grading. Authentication and grading by respected companies (PCGS or NGC) are essential. Encapsulated cash present assurance of grade and authenticity, minimizing danger.
Tip 2: Analysis Latest Public sale Outcomes. Monitor public sale data to gauge present market values. Websites like Heritage Auctions and eBay present knowledge on accomplished gross sales of 1879-S {dollars} in numerous grades. Observing the ultimate costs paid for comparable cash informs bidding methods and pricing expectations.
Tip 3: Scrutinize Mint Mark Traits. The “S” mint mark can exhibit refined variations. Familiarize oneself with respectable examples to determine potential counterfeits or uncommon die varieties. Use high-resolution photos and reference guides for correct comparability.
Tip 4: Assess Luster and Floor High quality. Authentic luster is a key indicator of an uncirculated coin’s situation. Keep away from cash with proof of cleansing or synthetic firming, as these diminish worth. Examine the floor for hairlines, bag marks, and different imperfections that have an effect on grade.
Tip 5: Account for Silver Spot Worth Fluctuations. Whereas numismatic worth predominates, monitor silver spot costs as they set up a ground worth. Vital will increase could make lower-grade examples enticing for his or her metallic content material.
Tip 6: Confirm provenance. Search to ascertain and corroborate the origin, or ‘provenance,’ of the coin previous to investing. If accessible, licensed historic data could enhance worth.
Tip 7: Perceive Market Developments. Acknowledge that the numismatic market is topic to fluctuations based mostly on financial situations, collector demand, and evolving tastes. Keep knowledgeable by trade publications and seller networks.
By adhering to those pointers, each collectors and buyers can mitigate dangers and maximize alternatives throughout the 1879 silver greenback market. Data of the coin, its provenance, and the ever-changing market situations are integral to knowledgeable, profitble and sensible buying.
The succeeding part offers concluding insights and sources for continued studying.
Concluding Remarks on the 1879 Silver Greenback (S Mint)
The previous evaluation has underscored the multifaceted nature of the 1879 silver greenback produced on the San Francisco Mint. From its historic context and design parts to the intricacies of grading, mintage figures, and numismatic worth, this coin embodies a posh interaction of things that decide its significance throughout the collector market. Diligent analysis and significant analysis are paramount for anybody in search of to have interaction with this coin, whether or not for funding or historic appreciation.
Continued exploration of the 1879-S silver greenback necessitates a dedication to lifelong studying and engagement with the numismatic neighborhood. As market dynamics and historic understanding evolve, sustaining vigilance and adapting methods are vital for knowledgeable decision-making. The enduring enchantment of this coin lies not solely in its silver content material but in addition in its illustration of a pivotal period in American historical past, urging future generations to proceed its research and preservation.
