In 1863 silver dollar mintage recovered somewhat from its bottom in 1862, but was still low, just over 27,000 coins. This date is similar to 1862. It’s very popular with collectors due to both low mintage and its status as a Civil War date. 1863 coins are rare in any grade. Price guides reflect the rarity of the date, pricing it accordingly. Still the date often trades well above most price guides.

Nice examples can be located, but patient searching is required. High grades, both proof and business strikes, are most available. Population reports show that over 40% of the business strikes currently in holders are MS60 or better, with over 20% in various grades of AU. Problem-free examples in grades lower than XF are rare, though a little more available than any of the other Philadelphia-minted coins after 1849. They will generally bring much higher prices than most price guides would indicate.

The finest known business strike is a single MS67+ example graded by NGC. Two additional coins have been given a MS67 grade, one by NGC and one by PCGS. Five have been graded MS66, four by PCGS and one by NGC. Another four coins have received a MS65 grade. Only in MS64 does the date become somewhat available, with 39 coins graded at that level. A total of 107 coins have been graded at all levels of mint state. As with all dates several of these grading records surely represent re-submissions. As noted previously this date is far more available in high grades than low. Collectors seeking a G-VF set will have a real challenge. PCGS and NGC together have graded only 22 coins below VF, with another 34 graded at the various VF levels. Population statistics are as of February, 2019.