The San Francisco Mint was opened in 1854 to serve the gold mines of the California Gold Rush. By the late 1870's, the volume of gold was slowing and the primary purpose of the mint was due to change. The Comstock Lode came to the rescue. The Comstock Lode was the first major U.S. discovery of silver, located under what is now Virginia City, Nevada. This enormous silver find lead to the passing of the Bland Allison Act of 1878, and act that lead to the release of a new U.S. coin...The Iconic "Wild West" Morgan Dollar.

The Morgan Silver Dollar was viewed by many as the #1 coin ever issued by the U.S. Mint. The Morgan Silver Dollar began production in 1878, and was originally minted at only three United States Mints: The Philadelphia Mint, the Carson City Mint, and the Fabled San Francisco Mint. The light work schedule at the San Francisco mint during these years allowed for extra care in Morgan silver dollar production. The early "S" mint Morgan dollars are known for their strong razor sharp strike, with superb luster and brilliant surfaces. They are considered by many collectors to truly be the "Best of the Best!"

The San Francisco Mint's new #1 job was to strike silver dollars...and many experts believe they have produced some of the finest examples in the series. Like the Philadelphia Mint (The main mint on the east coast), the San Francisco Mint (the main mint on the west coast) issued coins throughout the entire series - 1878 until 1904 and then again in 1921. With that said they still produced less than 18% of all Morgan Dollars, making them a rarity within a rarity! These first year of issue 1878 San Francisco Morgan Dollars are in PCGS certified 63 grades and are a collectors dream!