1902-S Morgan $1 (1902-S Morgan Silver Dollar) NGC MS65. This bright and lustrous gem 1902-S Morgan Dollar is essentially a “white” coin with just a touch of toning on the lower part of the reverse. The coin is tied for second finest at NGC. The strike is above average with full details seen on the eagle’s feathers. The surfaces are, as expected for a coin in gem condition, original, clean and free of individual distractions worthy of description.

When he applied to the Mint for the position of Assistant Engraver, Morgan wrote explaining his previous experiences: “I am familiar with the engraving of coin dies, having for several years, assisted Messrs. J.S. & A.B. Wyon. I think I may say that I have a good knowledge of Design & Modeling. I served an apprenticeship to the Die Sinking at Birmingham. From Birmingham School of Art I successfully competed for a Scholarship at South Kensington… during my Studentship I obtained Medals & Prizes for Models of Heads from Life, Figures from Life & Antique Heads from Photographs and Flowers from nature. I believe it is not usual for an Engraver to have a practical knowledge of Bronzing. Fortunately I have knowledge of this art and could in a short time so instruct an apt scholar that he would be able to successfully bronze a medal.” This coin belongs to a fairly large group that has been certified at the gem level by NGC. Large quantities were stored at the San Francisco Mint and were released in the 1920’s, 1940’s and early 1950’s. Thousands of mint state coins exist in the lower mint state grades. Gem coins are more elusive, especially ones that have above average strikes like the present piece. In its population report, NGC shows 104 certified at MS65 with 9 better.