Numismatic

1882-O/S Morgan Dollar MS-63 PCGS (Strong)

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The 1882 Morgan silver dollar contains 0.7734 troy ounces of silver, minted with a purity of 0.900. While the series is celebrated for its classic artistry, this specific issue holds an intriguing secret within its mint mark, offering a tangible glimpse into the physical realities of nineteenth-century coining operations. On the obverse, a profile of Liberty faces left, adorned with a Phrygian cap. Her hair band displays the word 'Liberty' nestled within her locks. Encircling this central image are thirteen stars, the year 1882, and the Latin motto 'E Pluribus Unum'. The reverse features a bald eagle with its wings spread, grasping a bundle of arrows and an olive branch in its talons. Surrounding the eagle are the inscriptions 'United States of America', 'One Dollar', and the motto 'In God We Trust'. What makes this certified Mint State 63 specimen truly captivating is the mint mark area located on the reverse, just above the denomination. Originally prepared with a San Francisco 'S' mint mark, the die was subsequently punched with the New Orleans 'O'. Under close inspection, clear remnants of the underlying 'S' are visible beneath the dominant 'O' mint mark. This dual-mint mark variety stands as a remarkable physical record of die sharing between historic mint facilities.