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The Certified 1887-O Morgan Silver Dollar graded MS63 by PCGS represents a compelling blend of historical significance, distinctive mint characteristics, and collector desirability. Struck at the New Orleans Mint, this coin is part of the broader Morgan dollar series, which was produced from 1878 to 1904 and briefly again in 1921. Named after its designer, George T. Morgan, the series holds an iconic place in American numismatics, not only for its artistic merit but also for the rich context of post-Civil War industrial growth, monetary policy changes, and Western silver mining that led to its creation. The 1887-O issue, like many Morgan dollars from the New Orleans facility, is known for inconsistent striking quality, making high-grade examples with sharp detail particularly prized.
Authorized under the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, the Morgan silver dollar was part of a congressional mandate requiring the U.S. Treasury to purchase large quantities of domestic silver to be coined into silver dollars. This act was largely a response to pressure from Western mining interests who sought a stable market for their silver. The New Orleans Mint, reopened in 1879 after being dormant since the Civil War, became a central player in Morgan dollar production. Its output of silver dollars was often mechanically challenged due to older or overused dies and presses, which affected the sharpness of many coins. The 1887-O Morgan dollar is no exception and is known for generally weak strikes, making a Mint State 63 example with full detail a relatively impressive survivor.
The obverse of the 1887-O Morgan Silver Dollar features the elegant profile of Lady Liberty facing left. Her hair is crowned with a Phrygian cap inscribed with “LIBERTY,” adorned with cotton bolls and wheat sheaves, symbolizing agricultural prosperity and American liberty. The surrounding inscriptions include “E PLURIBUS UNUM” at the top and the date “1887” at the bottom. Thirteen stars encircle the design, representing the original thirteen colonies. On this MS63 example certified by PCGS, the obverse shows strong detail, particularly in the hair above the forehead and ear, with only minor softness around the highest relief points. The surfaces display vibrant luster, especially around the periphery, with only minimal contact marks visible under magnification.
The reverse design showcases a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows and an olive branch in its talons, symbolizing readiness for war and desire for peace. Above the eagle’s head appears the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” in Gothic script. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR” encircle the design. Beneath the eagle’s tail feathers lies the mintmark “O,” denoting the New Orleans Mint. As with many New Orleans issues, the 1887-O reverse is known for strike inconsistency, particularly in the eagle’s breast and the tips of the wings. On this MS63 coin, PCGS has certified a specimen where the feather detail is better defined than average for the issue, a noteworthy feature for collectors seeking quality examples from this mint.
The total mintage for the 1887-O Morgan Silver Dollar was 11,550,000 pieces, making it one of the higher-mintage dates among New Orleans issues. However, most of these coins saw extensive circulation or were stored in Treasury vaults, later released into the collector market during the great silver dollar disbursements of the mid-20th century. Because of the mint’s inferior production quality, many examples were weakly struck or marked up from bag storage, resulting in relatively few specimens earning higher Mint State grades. As such, finding an MS63 piece with eye appeal, strong luster, and above-average detail becomes a rewarding endeavor for collectors, particularly those assembling mint-mark specific or condition-focused sets.
The PCGS MS63 grade indicates a coin that is fully uncirculated but with moderate contact marks and abrasions that may be visible without magnification. These marks are typically found in the fields or on Liberty’s cheek, but they do not severely detract from the coin’s overall appeal. The luster on this certified 1887-O Morgan remains frosty and attractive, indicative of original mint surfaces. While not flawless, MS63 examples still offer excellent eye appeal and represent strong value for collectors who want a high-grade coin without paying the significant premiums that accompany MS64 and higher specimens. PCGS’s rigorous grading standards and encapsulation provide assurance of authenticity and preservation, which adds to the coin’s desirability in the market.
One of the appeals of the Morgan dollar series lies in its wide range of strike quality, die varieties, and mintmarks, offering collectors countless avenues of specialization. The 1887-O, while not considered a key date in terms of rarity, is respected within the series for the challenges it presents in acquiring a sharply struck, high-grade specimen. Collectors focusing on New Orleans Mint issues are especially drawn to coins like this, as they represent the technical limitations and aesthetic quirks of the southern branch mint, which often lagged behind Philadelphia and San Francisco in production finesse. An MS63 piece captures the essence of what makes New Orleans Morgan dollars both historically significant and visually distinct.
Beyond its technical aspects, the 1887-O Morgan Silver Dollar is a tangible artifact from a transformative period in American history. The late 19th century was an era of railroads, industrialization, Western expansion, and evolving political debates around the gold and silver standards. Silver dollars such as the 1887-O were central to these debates, embodying the economic tension between Eastern financial interests and Western mining communities. Owning a certified MS63 example of this coin offers not just a beautiful piece of numismatic art but a connection to the broader economic and political narrative of Gilded Age America. Each coin bears the physical imprint of that era’s technology, policy, and ambition.
The Certified 1887-O Morgan Silver Dollar in PCGS MS63 grade is a significant acquisition for any collector of U.S. silver coinage. It showcases the artistry of George T. Morgan’s design, the production challenges of the New Orleans Mint, and the complex historical forces that shaped late 19th-century America. With full mint luster, decent strike, and minimal abrasions, this MS63 example provides an excellent balance of quality and value. As part of a graded collection or a broader Morgan dollar set, it adds both visual appeal and historical depth. Its PCGS certification guarantees its authenticity, grade, and marketability, making it a reliable and enduring addition to any numismatic portfolio.