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The Morgan Silver Dollar 1888-O Hot Lips variety, in Extra Fine condition, is one of the most distinctive and sought-after error coins in the Morgan Dollar series. This fascinating variety, also known as the "Hot Lips" due to the dramatic doubling on Liberty's lips, was the result of a doubled die error at the New Orleans Mint in 1888. This type of striking error, where the die was impressed twice, creates an unmistakable doubling effect, making it one of the most famous and visually compelling varieties in the Morgan Dollar series. For collectors of error coins and those who appreciate the historical significance of the Morgan Dollar, the 1888-O Hot Lips variety in Extra Fine condition is a prized addition to any collection.
The Morgan Dollar series, minted between 1878 and 1904, and once again in 1921, was the result of the Bland-Allison Act, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase large amounts of silver to be struck into coinage. This series was named after its designer, George T. Morgan, who served as an assistant engraver at the U.S. Mint and later became Chief Engraver. Morgan’s design, which featured Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse, became one of the most beloved and recognizable designs in American coinage history. The 1888-O Morgan Dollar, particularly the Hot Lips variety, is a significant piece from this iconic series, known for both its error and its connection to the New Orleans Mint.
The obverse of the 1888-O Morgan Silver Dollar features the classic portrait of Lady Liberty, wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with a band inscribed with "LIBERTY." Her hair is intricately detailed, flowing down her neck, with a wreath of cotton and wheat circling her head. Surrounding the portrait are 13 stars representing the original colonies, the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" above, and the date "1888" below. The Hot Lips variety is characterized by a clear doubling on Liberty's lips and chin, a result of a die error that caused the design to shift during the striking process. In Extra Fine condition, this coin retains strong detail, with minor wear on Liberty's cheek and hair, but the dramatic doubling is still prominent and unmistakable, adding to the coin’s visual appeal and collectible status.
The reverse of the 1888-O Morgan Silver Dollar features a bold depiction of a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch and a bundle of arrows in its talons, symbolizing peace and military readiness. The eagle is encircled by the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DOLLAR," with the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" positioned above the eagle’s head. The "O" mintmark, indicating the coin was struck at the New Orleans Mint, is located just below the wreath. In Extra Fine condition, the reverse exhibits sharp detail, particularly in the eagle’s feathers and the olive branch. There is some light wear on the eagle's breast and wingtips, but the design remains crisp and visually striking, characteristic of a coin that has seen limited circulation.
The New Orleans Mint, where the 1888-O Morgan Dollar was struck, played a significant role in U.S. coinage from its establishment in 1838 until its closure in 1909. The mint was responsible for producing millions of silver dollars during the Morgan Dollar series, but it was also known for producing several notable error varieties, including the 1888-O Hot Lips. This variety occurred when the die used to strike the obverse was impressed twice, creating the distinct doubling effect on Liberty’s lips. The error was not caught during production, and a number of these coins were released into circulation, making the Hot Lips variety one of the most famous and collectible error coins in the Morgan Dollar series.
The 1888-O Morgan Silver Dollar had a mintage of 12,150,000 coins, but only a small fraction of these were struck using the doubled die that produced the Hot Lips variety. As a result, the 1888-O Hot Lips variety is relatively scarce, and examples in higher grades, such as Extra Fine, are even more difficult to find. The coin’s rarity, combined with the dramatic nature of the error, makes it highly sought after by collectors. In Extra Fine condition, the 1888-O Hot Lips retains much of its original detail and luster, making it an attractive and valuable piece for those interested in error coins and Morgan Dollar varieties.
The Morgan Silver Dollar series is one of the most collected and admired in U.S. numismatic history, and the 1888-O Hot Lips variety holds a special place within this series due to its unique error and historical significance. The doubling on Liberty’s lips makes this coin instantly recognizable, and its association with the New Orleans Mint adds another layer of historical interest. For collectors, the 1888-O Hot Lips in Extra Fine condition represents a perfect combination of rarity, visual appeal, and historical significance, making it a standout piece in any collection of Morgan Dollars or U.S. error coins.