How to Identify the 1893-S Morgan Dollar
The 1893-S Morgan Dollar has the lowest mintage of any regular-issue Morgan dollar, making genuine examples a major key date frequently targeted by counterfeiters.
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What It Is
The 1893-S Morgan Dollar, struck at the San Francisco Mint, is the key date of the entire Morgan dollar series. Its mintage of just 100,000 coins is the lowest of any regular-issue Morgan dollar date and mint combination, making it highly sought after by collectors.
Obverse Design
Liberty faces left wearing a cap, with wheat and cotton forming a wreath behind her head. "E PLURIBUS UNUM" arcs above, stars surround the portrait, and "1893" is below.
Reverse Design
An eagle with wings spread holds an olive branch and arrows, encircled by a wreath. "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" arcs above, "ONE DOLLAR" below, and "IN GOD WE TRUST" appears just above the eagle.
Size, Weight & Metal
Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, the coin weighs 26.73 grams, measures 38.1 mm across, and has a reeded edge, matching all other Morgan dollars.
Mint Marks
Look on the reverse, below the wreath bow near the bottom rim, for a small "S." Its size, font, and exact placement should match genuine San Francisco Mint output from this era.
Telling It Apart from Similar Coins
Because 1893 Morgans were also struck at Philadelphia (no mark), New Orleans ("O"), and Carson City ("CC") with different mintages and values, correctly reading the mint mark is essential — a coin misidentified or altered to show "S" is far more valuable than a genuine Philadelphia or New Orleans strike from the same year. Compare the mint mark's shape and position carefully against verified genuine examples.
Grading at a Glance
Wear appears first on Liberty's hair above her ear and on the eagle's breast feathers. Because so few were minted and many entered circulation, well-preserved uncirculated examples are extremely scarce and command significant attention, while even heavily worn, clearly genuine examples remain desirable due to the low mintage.
Authenticity Red Flags
The 1893-S is one of the most counterfeited and altered U.S. coins, commonly created by adding a fake "S" mint mark to a genuine 1893 Philadelphia coin, or by striking counterfeits outright. Examine the mint mark closely under magnification for correct style, size, and a natural relationship with the surrounding surface — an "S" that looks applied, has different luster or color from the rest of the coin, or shows tooling marks around it is a serious warning sign. Given the high stakes, professional authentication is strongly advisable before relying on a visual check alone.
Frequently asked questions
What makes the 1893-S Morgan Dollar so significant?
It has the lowest mintage of any regular-issue Morgan dollar, just 100,000 coins, making it the series' key date.
Where is the mint mark on this coin?
On the reverse, below the wreath bow near the bottom rim; genuine examples show a small 'S' for San Francisco.
Why is this date frequently counterfeited?
Its high value relative to common Morgan dollars makes it a frequent target for added or altered mint marks and outright counterfeit strikes.
How can I check if the mint mark is genuine?
Examine it under magnification for the correct size, font, and natural surface blending; an applied or tooled-looking mark is a red flag, and professional authentication is recommended.