Numismatic

1881-O Morgan Dollar AU

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The 1881-O Morgan Silver Dollar stands as a striking representative of late nineteenth-century American coinage. Minted at the historic New Orleans facility, this coin carries the distinctive 'O' mint mark, signaling its origin in the American South during a bustling era of silver production. Struck in 90 percent silver, each coin contains 0.7734 troy ounces of precious metal, reflecting the substantial weight and tactile presence that made the series famous. On the obverse, a left-facing portrait of Liberty is depicted wearing a Phrygian cap, a traditional symbol of freedom. Her hair band is inscribed with the word 'LIBERTY', nestled among cotton and wheat in her hair. This side also features the classic motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' and the date of 1881. The reverse displays a powerful bald eagle with its wings spread wide, clutching both an olive branch of peace and a bundle of arrows representing strength. Surrounding the eagle are the inscriptions 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and the denomination 'ONE DOLLAR', alongside the national motto 'In God We trust'. Designed by George T. Morgan, this iconic series was minted from 1878 to 1921, leaving a lasting legacy in the story of United States currency.