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The Certified 1888-O Morgan Silver Dollar graded MS64 by ANACS is a near-Gem quality example of a New Orleans Mint issue from the heart of the Morgan dollar era. With its lustrous surfaces, bold strike, and preservation just below the Gem threshold, this coin appeals to both collectors of classic American silver and enthusiasts focused on mint-marked branch issues. The 1888-O Morgan dollar is well-known for strike variability, making higher-grade specimens like this one—especially those with solid detail and original luster—particularly desirable. ANACS certification adds further assurance of authenticity and condition, confirming the coin's position among the upper tier of surviving Mint State examples.
The Morgan dollar was designed by George T. Morgan and first issued in 1878. Named after its designer, the series ran until 1904, with a final reissue in 1921. Featuring an iconic portrait of Liberty and a stately eagle reverse, the Morgan dollar symbolizes the booming silver economy of the late 19th century, especially during the years shaped by the Bland-Allison Act and the mining output of the Comstock Lode. Minted in large quantities, Morgan dollars were stored in Treasury vaults for decades, later emerging to form the backbone of many numismatic collections. The 1888-O issue reflects the critical role of the New Orleans Mint, which served as a Southern hub for silver coinage during this period.
The obverse of the 1888-O Morgan dollar features a left-facing bust of Liberty adorned with a Phrygian cap and crowned with wheat and cotton—emblems of American agriculture. Surrounding her are the inscriptions “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and the date “1888,” along with thirteen stars representing the original colonies. In this MS64 example, Liberty's facial contours, hair curls, and cap details are sharply struck and well-preserved. While the New Orleans Mint often produced coins with soft strikes, many 1888-O examples exhibit solid definition in higher grades, and this piece likely shows excellent sharpness, complemented by radiant cartwheel luster across the fields.
The reverse displays a powerful eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows and an olive branch, framed by a laurel wreath. Above the eagle’s head is the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the surrounding legends “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR” are boldly rendered. The “O” mintmark—designating the New Orleans Mint—is located just below the wreath’s bow. In this MS64 example, the eagle’s breast and wing feathers show above-average detail, a notable feature for this issue, where weak strikes were common. The fields are clean and frosty, with only a few minor abrasions expected for the grade, none of which detract from overall visual impact.
The 1888-O Morgan dollar had a mintage of 12,150,000 coins, making it a fairly common date in circulated grades. However, many were not released into circulation and remained in government vaults until the mid-20th century. When they eventually surfaced in Treasury releases and the GSA sales of the 1960s and 1970s, large quantities entered the collector market, many in lower Mint State grades. Despite this, MS64 examples remain relatively scarce compared to the vast number of lower-grade survivors, and coins with strong strikes and clean fields are increasingly appreciated by quality-conscious collectors.
Graded MS64 by ANACS, this coin is fully uncirculated with strong eye appeal. At this level, a coin must display vibrant mint luster and only minimal marks or abrasions, usually confined to small areas in the fields or on high points. It is one point below the Gem threshold (MS65), and many MS64 Morgans have the look and brilliance of Gems without the significant price premium. ANACS, as the oldest grading service in the United States, is known for consistent and conservative grading standards, providing confidence that this coin is accurately evaluated and protected in a tamper-evident holder.
Strike quality is an important consideration for 1888-O Morgans. While some coins are known for flatness in Liberty’s hair or the eagle’s breast, well-struck MS64 examples like this one stand out. Collectors looking to assemble a high-grade New Orleans Mint Morgan set often find the 1888-O to be a key challenge in Mint State due to these strike inconsistencies. A sharply struck, lustrous MS64 coin offers both eye appeal and relative rarity compared to its total mintage, making it an excellent choice for a type set, a date-and-mintmark collection, or a New Orleans-themed cabinet.
This coin’s surfaces may exhibit brilliant white luster or may display light natural toning—often soft gold, champagne, or peripheral blue and rose hues—depending on its storage history. Such toning is appreciated for its originality and often adds visual depth to the coin’s devices and legends. Collectors especially prize coins that combine full cartwheel luster with attractive color and strong detail, traits typically seen in better-preserved Morgan dollars such as this one in MS64.
The 1888-O Morgan dollar also plays a role in broader economic history. As part of the massive silver coinage initiative of the late 1800s, it reflects a time when silver politics, mining interests, and government policy intersected. The New Orleans Mint, with its Southern location and unique architectural history, contributed significantly to the Morgan series before ceasing coinage operations in 1909. Collectors of “O” mintmarked coins often view the 1888-O as both a numismatic and historical link to this important period in American commerce and coin production.
The Certified 1888-O Morgan Silver Dollar graded MS64 by ANACS is a well-preserved, high-grade example of a classic U.S. silver dollar. With its near-Gem status, strong luster, and attractive strike quality, it stands out among other New Orleans Mint issues and offers an ideal balance of beauty, historical context, and affordability. Whether added to a full Morgan dollar set or valued as a standalone specimen, this coin represents the enduring appeal and legacy of 19th-century American silver coinage.