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The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1887-O MS63 NGC is a shining example of America’s most beloved silver coin series, combining historical significance, bold design, and collector appeal. The Morgan Dollar series, minted from 1878 to 1904 and again briefly in 1921, was created as a result of the Bland-Allison Act, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase large quantities of silver and coin it into dollars. This legislation was meant to support the struggling silver mining industry in the West following the economic downturn of the 1870s. The 1887-O Morgan Dollar, struck at the New Orleans Mint, captures a dynamic period in American economic history, as the country continued its westward expansion and industrial growth. Coins from the New Orleans Mint often possess distinctive characteristics that set them apart, and the 1887-O is a particularly interesting and desirable example, especially when found in high Mint State grades such as MS63 certified by NGC.
The obverse of the 1887-O Morgan Silver Dollar features the famous portrait of Liberty, designed by George T. Morgan, the British-born engraver who came to the United States in 1876. Morgan’s Liberty is modeled after Anna Willess Williams, a Philadelphia schoolteacher whose classic profile was seen as a fresh, distinctly American vision of Liberty, differing from previous, more classical European influences. Liberty faces left, wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with cotton and wheat, symbols of America's agricultural heritage. Encircling her portrait are the words "E PLURIBUS UNUM," with the date "1887" below and thirteen stars representing the original colonies around the border. In a Mint State 63 example, Liberty’s facial features, hair, and the detailed headband are crisp and sharply struck, offering collectors a beautiful representation of Morgan’s artistic vision, despite the overall reputation of New Orleans Mint strikes for sometimes being a bit softer in definition.
The reverse of the 1887-O Morgan Silver Dollar is equally iconic, showcasing a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows and an olive branch in its talons, symbolizing America's readiness for both war and peace. Above the eagle is the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST," inscribed in Gothic script, while surrounding the central design are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DOLLAR." The eagle is enclosed by a laurel wreath, a traditional symbol of victory and honor. On coins struck at the New Orleans Mint, the "O" mintmark is found below the wreath and above the "D" and "O" of "DOLLAR." In an MS63 certified example, the reverse’s details such as the eagle’s feathers and the wreath leaves are well defined, with strong luster enhancing the overall eye appeal of the coin. Minor contact marks may be present, typical for the grade, but they do not detract significantly from the sharpness and beauty of the design.
The 1887-O Morgan Dollar was produced at the New Orleans Mint, a facility with a rich and colorful history that had been reopened in 1879 specifically to strike silver dollars as mandated by the Bland-Allison Act. The New Orleans Mint often struggled with striking quality due to older equipment and less experienced workers compared to Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Carson City. As a result, many 1887-O dollars show weaker strikes and less detailed design elements. Nevertheless, the mint managed to produce over 11.5 million Morgan Dollars that year, making it one of the higher-mintage issues in the series. While the 1887-O is relatively common in circulated grades, finding examples in true Mint State, particularly MS63 and above, with good luster and sharp strikes, can be challenging, thereby increasing their desirability among collectors focusing on quality specimens from each mint and year.
The condition of the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1887-O MS63 NGC reflects a well-preserved coin that has survived the passage of time with only minor imperfections. An MS63 grade, awarded by the highly respected Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), denotes a coin that is fully uncirculated but exhibits more noticeable contact marks or small abrasions than higher-grade Mint State coins. These marks are usually confined to non-focal areas and do not detract heavily from the coin's overall eye appeal. In the case of the 1887-O, the coin typically displays full or nearly full mint luster, attractive surfaces, and good detail, with Liberty’s cheek and the fields showing only light scattered ticks. The coin’s attractive brightness, sharpness of strike for an "O" mint issue, and pleasing overall appearance make it a standout piece for collectors seeking affordable yet high-quality examples of the Morgan Dollar series.
NGC certification adds significant value and assurance to the 1887-O Morgan Silver Dollar in MS63 condition. As one of the most trusted third-party grading services in the numismatic community, NGC offers a guarantee of authenticity and accuracy in grading. The encapsulation in a secure, tamper-evident holder protects the coin from further handling or environmental damage while providing essential information on the label, such as the coin’s date, mintmark, grade, and a unique certification number. This allows collectors and investors to verify the coin’s attributes easily through the NGC online database, ensuring transparency and security in every transaction. Coins certified by NGC are generally more liquid in the market, and MS63 examples like this one are highly desirable for both beginning and advanced collectors looking to add strong Mint State Morgans to their collections.
The broader historical context of the 1887-O Morgan Silver Dollar enhances its importance as a collectible artifact. The late 1880s were a time of profound economic change and technological innovation in America, marked by the expansion of railroads, industrialization, and increased urbanization. The abundance of silver from western mines fueled the production of millions of Morgan Dollars, many of which were stored in Treasury vaults for decades before gradually entering circulation or being released to collectors through programs like the GSA sales in the 1970s. The Morgan Dollar, with its bold imagery and robust weight, came to symbolize America's emergence as a burgeoning industrial power. Owning a Mint State 1887-O Morgan Dollar offers a tangible connection to this transformative era in American history, preserving a piece of the economic and political forces that shaped the nation’s destiny.
The market for Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1887-O MS63 NGC coins remains strong, buoyed by consistent demand from collectors seeking high-quality yet affordable examples. While the 1887-O is common in lower grades, examples graded MS63 or better are considerably scarcer and enjoy strong competition among collectors. MS63 strikes the perfect balance between affordability and visual appeal, offering a sharp, lustrous coin that still exhibits the classic beauty of the Morgan design without the premium prices associated with MS64 or MS65 pieces. Whether included in a date-and-mintmark Morgan Dollar set, a specialized New Orleans Mint collection, or simply acquired as an impressive standalone piece, the 1887-O in MS63 represents outstanding value and historic charm within the vibrant Morgan Dollar marketplace.
The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1887-O MS63 NGC is a beautiful and historic example of America’s most enduring and widely collected silver coin series. With its iconic Liberty portrait, heraldic eagle reverse, solid strike quality for an "O" mint issue, and well-preserved Mint State condition, it captures the spirit and artistry of a pivotal era in American history. Certified for authenticity and grade by NGC, this coin offers collectors a secure and highly attractive piece of numismatic heritage, ensuring its status as a treasured addition to any serious Morgan Dollar or classic U.S. coin collection. Its blend of affordability, history, and aesthetic appeal continues to inspire generations of collectors and will undoubtedly remain a beloved classic for decades to come.