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The 1888-O Morgan Silver Dollar in Fine condition, famously known as the “Hot Lips” variety, is one of the most recognized and sought-after error coins in the entire Morgan Dollar series. This variety is named for the noticeable doubling on Liberty’s lips, creating the appearance of "hot lips." It is a prime example of a striking error resulting from a doubled die, which occurred at the New Orleans Mint in 1888. The distinctive and dramatic nature of this doubling makes the 1888-O Hot Lips Morgan Dollar an iconic piece for collectors of error coins and Morgan Dollars alike. Its allure is further enhanced by its historical significance as part of the larger Morgan Dollar series, one of the most beloved U.S. coin designs.
The Morgan Silver Dollar series was minted from 1878 to 1904, with a final issue in 1921, and it remains one of the most collected coin series in U.S. history. Named after its designer, George T. Morgan, the Morgan Dollar was originally struck in response to the Bland-Allison Act, which mandated the purchase of large quantities of silver to support the struggling mining industry in the western United States. Morgan’s design, which graced the obverse and reverse of these large silver coins, became iconic for its portrayal of Liberty and the American eagle. The 1888-O Hot Lips variety is one of the most famous Morgan Dollar varieties due to its striking error, adding another layer of interest to an already popular series.
The obverse of the 1888-O Morgan Silver Dollar features the classic portrait of Lady Liberty, wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with a ribbon inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." Liberty’s hair is beautifully detailed, with strands falling down her neck and a wreath of cotton and wheat encircling her head. Surrounding Liberty are 13 stars representing the original colonies, the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" above her head, and the date "1888" below. The "Hot Lips" variety is distinguished by the dramatic doubling on Liberty’s lips and chin, which is the result of a misalignment during the die creation process. In Fine condition, the details of Liberty’s portrait remain clear, though there may be moderate wear on the highest points, such as her hair and the wreath. The doubling of the lips, however, is still clearly visible and is the defining feature of this error variety.
The reverse of the 1888-O Morgan Silver Dollar features a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, holding an olive branch in one talon and a bundle of arrows in the other. Above the eagle’s head is the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DOLLAR" encircle the design. The reverse also displays the mintmark "O" just below the wreath, indicating that the coin was struck at the New Orleans Mint. In Fine condition, the reverse retains much of its original detail, though some wear may be evident on the eagle’s feathers, particularly on the breast and wings. However, the overall design remains sharp, and the "O" mintmark is clearly visible.
The New Orleans Mint, where the 1888-O Morgan Dollar was produced, played a key role in U.S. coin production from its establishment in 1838 until its closure in 1909. The mint struck millions of Morgan Dollars during its operation, but it was also known for producing a number of notable error coins, including the 1888-O Hot Lips variety. This error occurred due to a doubled die, where the die used to strike the coin was inadvertently impressed twice, resulting in the distinctive doubling on Liberty’s lips and chin. The error was not caught during production, and a number of these coins were released into circulation, creating one of the most famous and collectible varieties in the entire Morgan Dollar series.
The mintage of the 1888-O Morgan Silver Dollar was substantial, with 12,150,000 coins struck. However, only a small number of these coins were struck using the doubled die that created the Hot Lips variety. As a result, the 1888-O Hot Lips Morgan Dollar is relatively scarce compared to the standard 1888-O Morgan Dollar, and it is highly prized by collectors. Even in Fine condition, this variety commands a premium due to its rarity and the dramatic nature of the error. Collectors seek out this coin not only for its uniqueness but also for its connection to one of the most beloved U.S. coin series.
The 1888-O Morgan Silver Dollar Hot Lips variety in Fine condition offers a compelling combination of historical significance, numismatic beauty, and the intrigue of a dramatic error. The coin’s distinct doubling on Liberty’s lips makes it a standout piece in any collection, and its scarcity further enhances its desirability. As one of the most famous varieties in the Morgan Dollar series, the 1888-O Hot Lips remains a must-have for serious collectors of U.S. silver dollars and error coins alike. Its connection to the New Orleans Mint and the broader history of U.S. coinage makes it a fascinating artifact of 19th-century American numismatics.