The phrase identifies a counterfeit of a specific United States coin: an 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar. The “S” denotes that the coin was minted at the San Francisco Mint. Due to its low mintage and resulting rarity, the 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar is a highly sought-after collectible, making it a prime target for reproduction. These reproductions, often referred to as fakes or counterfeits, aim to deceive collectors and investors into believing they are acquiring an authentic and valuable coin.
The prevalence of these deceptive copies underscores the importance of authentication in numismatics. The high value of a genuine example creates a significant financial incentive for forgers, leading to increasingly sophisticated counterfeiting techniques. Recognizing the difference between a genuine and a spurious example is crucial for protecting investments and maintaining the integrity of the coin collecting hobby. Historical context reveals that even in the past, the 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar was recognized as a scarce issue, further fueling its desirability and, subsequently, the incentive to counterfeit it.
