Numismatic

1886-O Morgan Dollar MS-63 NGC

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Struck in 0.7734 troy ounces of 90 percent fine silver, this 1886 Morgan dollar represents a fascinating moment in American history. It emerged from the New Orleans Mint, an institution that resumed operations following the Civil War specifically to satisfy the massive production requirements for silver dollars. During this era of rapid national growth and commercial expansion, these large silver pieces functioned as a primary medium for daily transactions. Designed by George T. Morgan, the coin features a classic profile of Lady Liberty on its obverse, accompanied by the Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. The reverse displays a bald eagle with wings spread wide, gripping an olive branch and arrows, alongside the inscription IN GOD WE TRUST. This specific issue is known for having slightly softer design details, a common characteristic resulting from the striking practices at the New Orleans facility during this high-volume production era. While the New Orleans Mint produced 10,710,000 of these dollars in 1886, vast quantities of the mintage were later melted down under the Pittman Act of 1918. This example has survived more than a century in remarkable condition, certified in Mint State 63 (MS-63) with its original luster and details intact.