The offered money clip, built around a genuine 1881-S "Liberty Head" Morgan silver dollar coin, was owned by Elvis Presley and later gifted by Elvis to his cousin Patsy Presley. The money clip is accompanied by a letter from Tom Salva that states:
The item listed and shown above has been in my personal Elvis Presley collection since 1988. I purchased this item, and many others, from Patsy Presley, Elvis Presley’s cousin who worked as secretary in the offices at Graceland for many years during Elvis’ career. The item was originally from a jewelry box from Elvis’ bedroom dresser. I purchased the jewelry box and all its contents from Patsy in 1988. While it didn’t contain any of Elvis’ ornate jewelry with diamonds and gold, etc., it did contain many rings, watches, money clips, cuff links, bracelets, pins and other items of this sort that were often gifted to Elvis by family, friends and even fans. Included below is a copy of the money order with which I purchased the items from Patsy Gambill (her married name at the time) as well as a color copy of the handwritten letter from Patsy, dated October 25, 1988, describing the jewelry box and what it meant to Elvis.
The 1881-S Morgan silver dollar is named for the United States Mint engraver George Morgan. The coin is widely known as the Liberty Head dollar for the front design which features a likeness of Anna Willess Williams, a Philadelphia schoolteacher who agreed to be the model as long as her identity was not revealed since, at the time, it would have been scandalous and Anna would have risked losing her job. Despite her fears, her identity was leaked and she achieved tabloid-esque fame from fans and received a bevy of public attention. The coin was struck at the United States Mint in San Francisco from 1878 through 1904 and again in 1921 with more than 12 million 1881-S Morgan coins being struck (the “S” standing for San Francisco).
The silver-colored clip is marked “Swank," it weighs 38 grams. The money clip made from the desired and collectible coin measures 1 1/2 inches in diameter and is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Graceland Authenticated. The clip presents with only moderate wear. Excellent condition.