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The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1879-O MS62 ICG is a captivating piece of American numismatic history. This coin, graded MS62 by the Independent Coin Graders (ICG), offers collectors and investors a unique opportunity to own a high-quality specimen from the renowned Morgan Dollar series. The 1879-O Morgan Dollar is particularly significant due to its production at the New Orleans Mint, adding another layer of historical and geographical interest to this remarkable coin.
The Morgan Silver Dollar was minted from 1878 to 1904, with a final issuance in 1921. It was named after its designer, George T. Morgan, an English engraver who joined the U.S. Mint in 1876. The coin was introduced following the Bland-Allison Act, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase large quantities of silver to be coined into dollars. This legislation aimed to support the struggling silver mining industry and increase the money supply, making the Morgan Dollar a symbol of American prosperity and westward expansion during the late 19th century.
The obverse of the Morgan Silver Dollar features a profile portrait of Liberty, modeled after Anna Willess Williams, a Philadelphia schoolteacher. Liberty is depicted wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton, symbolizing America’s agricultural heritage. Surrounding Liberty are the words "E PLURIBUS UNUM," the year of issue (1879), and thirteen stars representing the original colonies. This design is both intricate and symbolic, showcasing Morgan's artistic talent and the ideals of the nation during that period.
The reverse of the coin showcases a majestic bald eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons, symbolizing peace and readiness for war. Above the eagle is the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," and below it, the denomination "ONE DOLLAR." The reverse also prominently features the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" above the eagle's head. This detailed engraving and balanced composition make the Morgan Silver Dollar a masterpiece of American coinage, celebrated for its artistic merit and historical significance.
The 1879-O Morgan Silver Dollar was minted at the New Orleans Mint, which played a crucial role in the production of U.S. coins during the 19th century. Established in 1838, the New Orleans Mint was a key facility for minting silver and gold coins, especially for the southern and western United States. Coins minted at the New Orleans facility are distinguished by the "O" mintmark, located on the reverse beneath the wreath, signifying their origin and the unique characteristics associated with this mint's production quality.
The mintage of the 1879-O Morgan Silver Dollar was 2,887,000 coins. Despite this relatively modest mintage, many of these coins saw extensive circulation, making those in higher grades particularly rare and valuable. The scarcity of well-preserved examples, like this MS62 coin, adds to its desirability among collectors and investors. The MS62 grade from ICG denotes a coin in uncirculated condition, with strong luster, sharp details, and only minor marks or abrasions. This level of preservation is relatively uncommon, as most coins of this age show signs of wear from circulation.
The condition of the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1879-O MS62 ICG is a key factor in its appeal. The MS62 grade indicates that the coin is in mint state, exhibiting minimal wear and retaining much of its original mint luster. The certification by ICG, a respected third-party grading service, adds an extra layer of trust and assurance for buyers, confirming the coin's authenticity and grade. This high level of preservation ensures that the coin's intricate details and historical significance are maintained.
The obverse and reverse designs of this coin are crisp and clear, with Liberty’s profile and the eagle’s feathers exhibiting exceptional detail. The luster of the coin is bright and attractive, enhancing its visual appeal. The coin’s surfaces are remarkably clean, with only minor imperfections that are not easily visible to the naked eye. This high level of preservation makes the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1879-O MS62 ICG a standout piece.
The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1879-O MS62 ICG is a tangible link to America's past, embodying the economic and cultural dynamism of the late 19th century. Its superior condition, intricate design, and exceptional quality make it a standout piece, offering both aesthetic pleasure and a solid investment. As a product of the New Orleans Mint, it carries the legacy of the southern United States' contributions to the nation's coinage history, making it a meaningful and valuable artifact in the world of numismatics.