Morgan Silver Dollar, 1900-O New Orleans Mint
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint, specifically the New Orleans Branch Mint (indicated by 'O' mint mark). The New Orleans Mint operated from 1838 to 1861 and 1879 to 1909.
Pattern: Morgan Dollar series (designed by George T. Morgan), minted continuously from 1878 to 1904, and again in 1921.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint, specifically the New Orleans Branch Mint (indicated by 'O' mint mark). The New Orleans Mint operated from 1838 to 1861 and 1879 to 1909.
Material
Coin Silver; 90% Silver, 10% Copper. Total weight 26.73 grams, with 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver content.
Dimensions
Diameter: 38.1 mm (1.5 inches); Thickness: 2.4 mm; Weight: 26.73 grams.
Description
A classic example of late 19th-century American silver coinage, the Morgan Dollar is the most collected silver coin in history. The reverse displays a powerful eagle within a wreath, a design that came to symbolize American industrial and territorial expansion. This specific piece shows honest circulation wear consistent with a coin that saw daily use in the early 20th century.
Key Features
Significant 'O' mint mark for New Orleans; classic 90% silver composition; George T. Morgan's iconic eagle design.
Material & Composition
Coin Silver; 90% Silver, 10% Copper. Total weight 26.73 grams, with 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Reverse features a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings clutching arrows and an olive branch, encircled by a laurel wreath. Includes the motto 'In God We Trust' in Gothic script. The edge is reed (serrated).
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'ONE DOLLAR'. Features the 'O' mint mark located above the 'DO' in DOLLAR on the reverse side.
Construction Details
Die-struck at high pressure using a steam-powered or electric coining press at the New Orleans Mint.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency with 100 cents face value; reeded edges to prevent physical 'clipping' or shaving of the silver from the circumference.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (numismatic item).
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck quality; the 1900-O is known for a relatively average strike depth compared to the sharper Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) issues.
Authentication Indicators
Correct placement and font of the 'O' mint mark; visible wear patterns consistent with genuine silver (not a modern base-metal cast); proper denticles along the rim.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, New Orleans Mint, Louisiana. Known for often producing coins with a softer strike compared to Philadelphia.
Era & Period
Gilded Age / Late Victorian American (Circa 1900). Reflects the expansion of the American West and the Comstock Lode silver boom.
Age Estimate
Dated 1900. The specific reverse shown belongs to the 1900-O production run of 12,590,000 pieces.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Silver Standard' era and the political struggle between the gold standard and bimetallism in the late 1800s. It was the 'Hard Money' of the American West.
Condition Notes
Very Good (VG) to Fine (F) condition. Notable wear on the eagle's breast feathers (which are smoothed) and the leaf tips of the wreath. Surface shows numerous small 'bag marks' and circulation scratches. Tarnish is heavy around the lettering, creating a high-contrast 'circulated cameo' look.
Value Estimate
$30.00 - $45.00 USD. Value is largely determined by the current 'spot price' of silver plus a numismatic premium for the New Orleans mint mark and historical demand.
Care & Maintenance
NEVER clean or polish a collectible coin; doing so strips the 'patina' and significantly reduces numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or archival capsule to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Peace Silver Dollar (1921-1935), Trade Dollar (1873-1885), and various modern Silver Eagle bullion coins.
Interesting Facts
The Morgan Dollar was named after its designer, George T. Morgan, who used Anna Willess Williams as the model for Liberty on the obverse. Millions of these coins were melted down under the Pittman Act of 1918.