Whitman Expo
1879-O One Dollar PR BM Values
Details
This extremely rare branch-mint Morgan dollar proof is perhaps the rarest of all proof Morgans and has an interesting story to tell. It is believed just 12 were minted on February 20, 1879, to commemorate the reopening of the New Orleans Mint following its closure in 1861 at the onset of the Civil War. These O-mint proofs are unknown by a large number of numismatists, and far fewer collectors have even seen one. On the rare occasion they are offered for sale, they inspire great attention in the numismatic media and also command strong bids. One PCGS-grade PR64 specimen realized an outstanding $184,000 at a March 2010 Stack’s-Bowers auction.
This coin is made of 90% silver; 10% copper and has a current melt value of $59.40
Obverse: Portrait of Liberty centered. On the left are found 7 stars with the words E*PLURIBUS*UNUM followed by 6 stars on the right. The date is positioned at the bottom.
Reverse: The heraldic eagle is centered holding a bunch of arrows and branch surrounded by and olive leaves. The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA * ONE DOLLAR frame the periphery. Mint mark, if any, appears above the letters DO of DOLLAR.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
New Orleans
Coinage Type:
Morgan silver dollar
Coinage Years:
1878-1921
Composition:
90% silver; 10% copper
Mint Mark:
O
Prefix:
Branch Mint Proof
Physical Characteristics
Fineness:
0.9
Weight:
26.73 gr
Weight:
0.8594 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.7734 oz
Strike Type:
Proof
Diameter:
38.1 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
George T. Morgan
Obverse Lettering:
E PLURIBUS UNUM, LIBERTY, 1879
Obverse Designer:
George T. Morgan
Reverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN GOD WE TRUST, ONE DOLLAR
Reverse Designer:
George T. Morgan
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