Numismatic

1897-O Morgan Dollar AU-58 NGC

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The 1897 Morgan Silver Dollar represents a fascinating moment in late nineteenth-century American coinage. Struck at the historic New Orleans Mint, this specific coin bears the "O" mint mark, a detail highly regarded by numismatists who study the output of the southern branch mint. Containing 0.7734 troy ounces of silver with a purity of 90 percent, this specimen has survived the decades in About Uncirculated AU-58 condition, preserving much of its original luster and detail. The obverse features a profile of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap, decorated with a band inscribed with the word "Liberty". Surrounding her portrait are thirteen stars representing the original colonies, the traditional motto "E Pluribus Unum", and the 1897 year of issue. On the reverse, a bald eagle is depicted with wings spread, holding both an olive branch and arrows in its talons. The national motto "In God We Trust" is positioned above the eagle, while the inscriptions "United States of America" and the "One Dollar" denomination frame the central design. This combination of classic American symbols makes the coin a compelling object of study for those interested in the nation's monetary history.