Numismatic

1879-O Morgan Dollar MS-62 PCGS

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In 1879, the New Orleans Mint resumed its coining operations following the disruption of the Civil War. This specific silver dollar, struck under the authority of the 1878 Bland-Allison Act, represents an early issue from this reopened Southern facility. Crafted from 90 percent fine silver, the coin contains 0.7734 troy ounces of precious metal and measures 38.1 millimeters in diameter with a thickness of 3.1 millimeters. Out of a total mintage of 2,887,000, this piece has survived in a certified Mint State 62 condition. The artistry of George T. Morgan is displayed on both sides of the coin. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap. Her headband is inscribed with the word LIBERTY, and the profile is encircled by stars and the Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, along with the 1879 date. On the reverse, a bald eagle with spread wings holds an olive branch and arrows. The eagle is framed by the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the face value of ONE DOLLAR. The distinctive O mint mark is positioned just below the wreath on the reverse, identifying its origin in Louisiana.