1890-O $1 Morgan Dollar PCGS MS63

Introduction

The 1890-O $1 Morgan Dollar graded PCGS MS63 is a Choice Mint State example of the classic American silver dollar. Struck at the New Orleans Mint, this coin contains .7734 troy oz of pure silver and offers collectors an uncirculated example from one of the most popular branch mints of the Morgan Dollar series.

History

Designed by George T. Morgan, the Morgan Dollar was introduced in 1878 and became one of the most recognizable coins in American numismatics. Production took place at several U.S. Mint facilities, including the New Orleans Mint, which struck Morgan Dollars from 1879 through 1904.

The New Orleans Mint produced 10,701,000 Morgan Dollars in 1890. Many examples survived in government storage and were released in later decades, making the date relatively available in lower Mint State grades. However, 1890-O Morgan Dollars are frequently encountered with weaker strikes, and sharply defined examples become increasingly difficult to find at higher grades.

Design

The obverse features George T. Morgan's portrait of Liberty facing left, surrounded by thirteen stars and the inscriptions E PLURIBUS UNUM and 1890. Morgan's portrait was modeled after Anna Willess Williams and represented a distinctly American interpretation of Liberty.

The reverse depicts an eagle with outstretched wings holding arrows and an olive branch. A wreath surrounds the eagle, while the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN GOD WE TRUST, and ONE DOLLAR complete the design. The O mintmark beneath the wreath identifies the coin as a product of the New Orleans Mint.