1887-O Morgan Dollar MS-64 PCGS

The year 1887 found the United States in a period of burgeoning industry and westward expansion, with the New Orleans Mint, affectionately known as "The O Mint," playing a crucial role in the nation's economic landscape. Reopened in 1879 after the tumultuous years of the Civil War, the New Orleans facility was tasked primarily with producing silver dollars to meet the demands of the Bland-Allison Act. This 1887-O Morgan Dollar, with a substantial mintage of 11,550,000 pieces, is a direct link to that industrious time, a tangible artifact forged in the crucible of post-Civil War recovery and national rebuilding.

Designed by George T. Morgan, the coin's obverse presents a striking left-facing profile of Lady Liberty, her Phrygian cap adorned with a wreath of cotton and wheat—symbols of American agriculture and freedom. The legend "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and thirteen stars encircle her, alongside the year of mintage. The reverse features a majestic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch and arrows, beneath the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST," all encircled by "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the "ONE DOLLAR" denomination. The distinct "O" mint mark, signifying its New Orleans origin, is prominently displayed above and between the "D" and "O" of "DOLLAR."

Despite the massive quantities produced, coins from the New Orleans Mint are frequently known for their weaker strikes and characteristic bag marks, often due to the unique production practices of the facility. This particular 1887-O Morgan Dollar, however, defies many of those typical traits by being certified in Mint State 64 (MS-64) by PCGS, denoting a well-preserved example with strong eye appeal for its grade and mint. Composed of .900 fine silver and .100 copper, each dollar contains 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver, weighs 26.73 grams, and measures 38.1 mm in diameter with a thickness of 3.1 mm. For the collector seeking a piece of American history that combines iconic design, certified quality, and the fascinating legacy of a vital Southern mint, this 1887-O Morgan Dollar stands as an exceptional choice, offering a window into a bygone era of American coinage.