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The 1879-O GSA Morgan Silver Dollar in a flat pack is a fascinating and rare collectible with historical significance. It represents the early years of Morgan Dollar production at the New Orleans Mint and is part of the General Services Administration (GSA) sales of U.S. silver dollars that had been stored in government vaults for decades. The GSA hoard is one of the most famous discoveries in American numismatics, consisting primarily of Carson City Mint coins, but there were also a few examples from other mints, including New Orleans. The 1879-O Morgan Dollar is especially interesting because of its relative scarcity and its connection to the post-Civil War rebuilding of the New Orleans Mint, which had ceased operations during the war and reopened in 1879.
The obverse of the 1879-O Morgan Silver Dollar features the classic design of Liberty, created by George T. Morgan. Liberty is depicted in profile, facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap, a traditional symbol of freedom, adorned with agricultural elements such as cotton and wheat, representing America’s agricultural prosperity. The word "LIBERTY" is inscribed on the band of her cap, and surrounding her head are thirteen stars, representing the original thirteen colonies. The inscription "E PLURIBUS UNUM" appears at the top, and the date "1879" is located at the bottom. In the GSA flat pack, these coins were stored in a sealed package with a certificate of authenticity from the government, and many of these coins remain in remarkable condition due to their long period of storage. The obverse design’s intricate details, including Liberty’s hair and the fine lines of her cap, are typically well-preserved, especially in uncirculated examples.
The reverse of the 1879-O Morgan Dollar features a majestic depiction of an American bald eagle, with its wings spread wide, clutching arrows and an olive branch in its talons. This symbol of strength and peace is encircled by the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DOLLAR." Below the eagle’s tail feathers is the "O" mint mark, indicating that the coin was struck at the New Orleans Mint. The reverse also includes the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST," prominently displayed above the eagle’s head. The eagle’s detailed feathers and the inscriptions are often sharply struck, and in many GSA flat pack coins, the original mint luster remains intact. The combination of the eagle’s powerful imagery and the "O" mint mark adds to the coin’s appeal, particularly for collectors of New Orleans Mint coinage.
The New Orleans Mint, where the 1879-O Morgan Dollar was struck, had a tumultuous history. It was originally established in 1838 to mint silver and gold coins from the rich deposits of the southern states. However, the mint was closed during the Civil War and did not reopen until 1879, making the 1879-O Morgan Dollar one of the first coins minted after its reopening. The New Orleans Mint was known for producing lower-quality strikes compared to the other U.S. mints, partly due to the less advanced equipment available at the time. As a result, many 1879-O Morgan Dollars exhibit weak strikes, particularly in areas such as the eagle’s breast feathers and Liberty’s hair. Despite this, well-preserved examples are highly prized by collectors for their historical significance and the challenges involved in finding high-quality strikes from the New Orleans Mint.
The mintage of the 1879-O Morgan Dollar was 2,887,000 coins, a moderate figure for the series. However, many of these coins were released into circulation, and high-grade examples are relatively scarce. The 1879-O Morgan Dollar is not considered one of the rarest Morgan Dollar dates, but finding examples in uncirculated condition, especially with strong strikes, can be difficult. The GSA flat pack versions are particularly desirable because they have been stored in government vaults for decades and were often never released into general circulation, preserving their mint state condition. While most of the GSA hoard consisted of Carson City dollars, the inclusion of New Orleans coins like the 1879-O adds to the hoard’s intrigue and appeal to collectors.
In the GSA flat pack, the 1879-O Morgan Silver Dollar is presented in its original packaging, with a certificate of authenticity from the U.S. government. This packaging adds to the coin’s collectibility, as it links the coin directly to the historic GSA sales of the 1970s. The flat pack is a less common form of GSA packaging, as most of the coins were issued in hard plastic holders. The flat pack version is sealed in plastic with the certificate and is often preferred by collectors who seek a unique connection to the GSA hoard. The fact that these coins remained untouched for nearly a century adds to their allure, as collectors appreciate the pristine nature of these historic silver dollars.
The 1879-O GSA Morgan Silver Dollar in the flat pack is a remarkable piece of American history, representing the early production of the New Orleans Mint and the fascinating story of the GSA hoard. With its classic design, moderate mintage, and historical significance, it is a must-have for Morgan Dollar collectors and those interested in U.S. Mint history. The coin’s preservation in its original GSA packaging enhances its value and appeal, making it a prized collectible in the world of American silver dollars.