1901-S $1, PL MS(PCGS#7277)

June 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2194

Grade

MS65PL

Price

7,930

Lot Description

A truly remarkable example of this scarcer entry in the San Francisco Mint Morgan dollar series. Boldly struck, as befits the issue, the detail on both sides is full apart from a touch of trivial softness to the central high points. Lightly and attractively toned, as well, we note blushes of iridescent pinkish-rose here and there at the peripheries. The luster is strong with a particularly noteworthy prooflike finish that contrasts reflective fields with lightly frosted motifs. Silky smooth in appearance and sure to please even the most discerning numismatist.<p>Elusive in all grades due to widespread melting of undistributed examples, the 1901-S was not represented in the Treasury Department silver dollar releases of 1962 to 1964 to any great extent. What coins were paid out from government stocks had already been absorbed by the numismatic community by the 1950s. Today these are widely dispersed and offerings for Gem Mint State coins are for single examples, and seldom in certified grades finer than MS-65. This condition rarity PCGS MS-65 PL is of even greater significance given Wayne Miller's assessment in his <em>Morgan and Peace Dollar Textbook</em>:<p><em>The 1901-S is extremely rare in fully prooflike condition. Most advertised "prooflike" 1901-S dollars are lustrous, semi-prooflike pieces. Virtually all prooflikes are very unappealing, with plentiful abrasions, poor contrast, and unappealing gray luster.</em><p>Solidly graded by PCGS with outstanding visual appeal, this coin is quite unlike the typical "prooflike" 1901-S dollar described by the author. It is a remarkable strike and condition rarity whose offering in this sale represents a fleeting bidding opportunity for the advanced collector specializing in this perennially popular silver dollar series.