1883-O $1 Morgan NGC BU Las Vegas Vault Collection

Coin Overview

• Year: 1883
• Mint: O (New Orleans Mint)
• Denomination: $1
• Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
• Weight: 26.73 grams
• Diameter: 38.1 mm
• Edge: Reeded

Historical Context

• The 1883-O Morgan Dollar was struck at the New Orleans Mint, which often produced coins with softer strikes due to inconsistent minting practices.
• The Morgan Dollar series is iconic, symbolizing post-Civil War economic recovery and the “Gilded Age” in U.S. history.
• New Orleans Mint coins hold historical significance as they reflect the operations of a Southern mint before its eventual closure in 1909.

Grading and Appearance

• Grade: BU (Brilliant Uncirculated)
  • Indicates a coin with no wear but with potential bag marks, common for Morgans due to their storage and transportation methods.
  • The coin is likely to display full luster and sharp details, though the strike quality may vary.
• Las Vegas Vault Collection:
  • Coins labeled as part of this collection often carry a premium due to their provenance, particularly when associated with prominent private holdings or collections.

Rarity and Mintage

• Mintage: 8,725,000
  • The 1883-O Morgan Dollar is not rare overall but becomes more desirable in high grades or with unique provenance.
• Strike Quality: New Orleans issues are often noted for weaker strikes, especially in the hair over Liberty’s ear and the eagle’s breast feathers.

VF-20 Very Fine- Two thirds of hair lines from top of forehead to ear visible. Ear well defined. Feathers on eagle’s breast worn.

EF-40 Extremely Fine- All hair lines strong and ear bold. Eagle’s feathers all plain but with slight wear on breast and wing tips.

AU-50- About Uncirculated- Slight trace of wear on the bust shoulder and hair left of forehead, and on eagle’s breast and top edges of wings.

MS-60 Uncirculated- No trace of wear; full mint luster present, but may noticeably marred by scuff marks or bag abrasions.

MS-63 Choice Uncirculated- No trace of wear; full mint luster; few noticeable surface marks.

MS-64 Uncirculated- A few scattered contact marks/ Good eye appeal and attractive luster.

MS-65 Gem Uncirculated- Only light, scattered contact marks that are not distracting. Strong luster, good eye appeal.

PF-63 Choice Proof- Reflective surfaces with few blemishes in secondary focal places. No major flaws.