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The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1880-O Micro O MS62 NGC is an exceptional example of a rare and fascinating variety from the New Orleans Mint, representing both a die anomaly and a collectible oddity within the Morgan Dollar series. This particular piece is distinguished by its unique “Micro O” mintmark—an unusually small “O” on the reverse of the coin that differs notably from standard New Orleans mintmarks. Graded MS62 by NGC, this coin retains full mint luster and uncirculated surfaces, though it exhibits minor contact marks consistent with the assigned grade. Its certified status ensures authenticity, especially vital when dealing with rare and sometimes misunderstood varieties like the Micro O.
The Morgan Dollar series began in 1878 and continued through 1904, with a final issuance in 1921. Designed by George T. Morgan, the coin emerged as a result of the Bland-Allison Act, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase large amounts of silver and coin it into dollars. Morgan’s design quickly became a staple of American coinage, featuring a classical yet uniquely American Liberty on the obverse and a powerful bald eagle on the reverse. The series was struck at several mints over its run, including Philadelphia, Carson City, San Francisco, Denver (in 1921), and New Orleans—the origin of the 1880-O Micro O variety.
What sets the 1880-O Micro O apart is its mintmark. Most New Orleans dollars carry a standard-sized “O” below the wreath on the reverse, but a small number—believed to have been struck using leftover or repurposed dies—bear a distinctly undersized “O” mintmark. This anomaly may have been the result of dies originally intended for use in trade dollar or pattern coin production, or simply a die sinker error in the preparation of mintmark punches. The result is a striking and unmistakable difference in mintmark size that has earned its own classification and generates substantial collector interest.
On the obverse, Liberty is portrayed in profile facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap, a crown of cotton and wheat, and a headband inscribed “LIBERTY.” Around the portrait are the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” thirteen stars, and the date “1880.” The MS62 grade ensures that most design details are sharp and visible, with minimal wear but some light abrasions in the fields or on Liberty’s cheek. These marks are typical of coins in this grade and do not detract significantly from the overall eye appeal or numismatic value.
The reverse of the coin displays the heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, grasping arrows and an olive branch in its talons. The eagle is encircled by a laurel wreath and the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “ONE DOLLAR.” Below the wreath lies the defining feature—the tiny Micro O mintmark, notably smaller than the standard issue. The difference in scale is readily apparent when compared side-by-side with a regular 1880-O dollar, making it an ideal target for variety collectors. On this MS62 example, the mintmark is clear and well-struck, adding to the coin’s desirability.
The 1880-O Morgan Dollar had a total mintage of 5,305,000 pieces, but only a small fraction of those are the Micro O variety. Exact numbers are unknown, but the variety is rare enough that it commands a significant premium over standard issues, particularly in higher uncirculated grades. Collectors prize the Micro O as one of the more intriguing mintmark anomalies in the series, alongside other famous varieties like the 1882-O/S and the 1900-O/CC overmintmark. It is included in major reference guides and variety attribution systems such as the VAM (Van Allen–Mallis) catalog of Morgan and Peace Dollar varieties.
Coins graded MS62 by NGC are solid Mint State pieces, meaning they were never used in commerce and still retain their original luster. However, MS62 coins often have a higher frequency of contact marks, especially in the open fields and on high points of the design. Even so, a coin at this grade level remains attractive and desirable, especially for scarcer varieties like the Micro O. NGC’s encapsulation guarantees the authenticity of the coin, confirms the variety, and protects its surfaces from further handling damage.
The Micro O mintmark has fascinated collectors since its discovery, as it challenges assumptions about mint practices and die usage. Some speculate that the small mintmark punches may have been created in Philadelphia and mistakenly used at the New Orleans facility. Others believe that leftover pattern or trade dollar equipment was reused for Morgan production, leading to this anomaly. Regardless of its origin, the Micro O remains a testament to the complex and sometimes imperfect processes at U.S. mints in the 19th century.
The MS62 grade strikes a balance between affordability and quality. While higher-grade Micro O examples in MS63 and above are significantly rarer and more expensive, an MS62 coin offers nearly all the design detail and eye appeal of those pieces at a more accessible price point. This makes it an ideal acquisition for collectors building a specialized Morgan Dollar variety set or seeking representative examples of minting errors and anomalies.
In the broader context of Morgan Dollar collecting, the 1880-O Micro O stands as a minor but meaningful landmark. It offers both visual and historical interest, allowing collectors to explore how mintmark punches, die preparation, and minting practices sometimes departed from standard procedure. With certification by NGC, this coin’s status as a genuine Micro O is confirmed, giving it additional credibility in the marketplace and long-term appeal for investment or collection purposes.
In conclusion, the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1880-O Micro O MS62 NGC is a captivating variety that reflects both the artistry and imperfections of 19th-century U.S. Mint operations. Its rare and easily identifiable mintmark, strong overall strike, and certified Mint State preservation make it a highly collectible piece. Whether as a standout in a Morgan Dollar set or a featured coin in a variety-focused collection, it offers history, rarity, and the enduring charm of America’s most iconic silver dollar.