An 1878-S $1 Morgan Silver Dollar graded NGC MS-63, especially if it's described as "1ST YEAR & PQ Absolutely Beautifully Toned," possesses several noteworthy features and characteristics:
Morgan Silver Dollar Series: The Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most iconic and collected coin series in the United States. The series began in 1878 and continued until 1904, with a final year of production in 1921.
San Francisco Mint: The "S" mintmark indicates that this particular coin was minted at the San Francisco Mint, which is one of the U.S. Mint facilities known for producing silver coins.
Mint State (MS-63): The grade "NGC MS-63" designates the condition of the coin as Mint State (uncirculated) with a grade of 63 on the 70-point scale used by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). An MS-63 coin is typically characterized by minor imperfections and some luster loss due to handling and age, but it is still considered to be in relatively excellent condition.
1st Year of Issue: Being from 1878, this coin is from the inaugural year of the Morgan Silver Dollar series. Coins from the first year of a series often hold special historical significance and can be particularly desirable to collectors.
Beautiful Toning: The term "Absolutely Beautifully Toned" indicates that the coin has developed attractive and aesthetically pleasing toning over the years. Toning can add character to a coin, with colors that may include shades of blue, green, or golden-brown. Such toning is often appreciated by collectors for its visual appeal.
PQ (Premium Quality): The "PQ" designation suggests that this coin exhibits exceptional quality and characteristics, making it stand out among coins of its grade.
Numismatic Collectibility: Coins like this, with a combination of historical significance (being from the first year of issue), high grade, attractive toning, and PQ designation, are highly sought after by numismatists and collectors. They can command a premium price in the numismatic market due to their rarity and desirability.
In summary, this 1878-S $1 Morgan Silver Dollar graded NGC MS-63 and described as "1ST YEAR & PQ Absolutely Beautifully Toned" is special because it represents a historic and highly collectible coin series, is from the first year of issue, has a high grade, attractive toning, and premium quality. These attributes make it a prized addition to any coin collection.