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The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1890-O MS64+ NGC (B) is a distinguished example of a late 19th-century American silver dollar, offering both historical resonance and exceptional numismatic quality. Struck at the New Orleans Mint, this coin has earned the highly regarded Mint State 64+ grade from Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), denoting a specimen that surpasses a standard MS64 but falls just shy of full gem status at MS65. With radiant luster, well-preserved surfaces, and sharp detail uncommon to many 1890-O issues, this coin holds a unique position within the Morgan dollar series and is a standout among its peers.
The 1890-O Morgan Dollar is part of a historic and storied series named after its designer, George T. Morgan, the Assistant Engraver of the U.S. Mint. First introduced in 1878, the Morgan dollar was created as part of a broader effort to reinvigorate U.S. silver coinage and support domestic silver mining following the passage of the Bland-Allison Act. By 1890, the Morgan dollar had become a mainstay of American commerce and symbolism, with New Orleans continuing to play a critical role in the production of silver dollars. The New Orleans Mint, which had previously served both Confederate and Union governments, struck over 10.7 million Morgan dollars that year, making the 1890-O one of the more common date-and-mintmark combinations in the series.
On the obverse of the coin is the celebrated portrait of Liberty, modeled after Anna Willess Williams, wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton. These symbols represent agricultural unity between North and South in post-Civil War America. The word “LIBERTY” appears on her headband, with the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arched above, flanked by thirteen stars. Below the bust lies the date “1890.” In this MS64+ specimen, Liberty’s cheek exhibits minimal contact marks, with clean fields and a bold strike that is better than typically encountered for this issue. The plus designation indicates this coin stands out from ordinary MS64 examples due to its overall eye appeal and preservation.
The reverse design features a powerful heraldic eagle, wings spread, holding arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing a balance of military readiness and peace. A wreath encircles the eagle, and the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR” form the perimeter inscriptions. The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears above the eagle in Gothic script. Just below the wreath is the unmistakable “O” mintmark, indicating its origin at the New Orleans Mint. Striking quality at the New Orleans facility was often weak, especially in the central devices, but this MS64+ example exhibits above-average detail in the eagle’s breast and wing feathers, helping to elevate it into a near-gem tier.
Despite its large mintage, the 1890-O Morgan Dollar is rarely found in top-grade uncirculated condition. Many coins suffered from heavy bag marks or subdued luster due to mass storage and rough handling at the Mint. This makes high-grade certified examples, especially those with the “plus” designation, considerably more desirable. The MS64+ grade indicates strong visual appeal and luster with fewer distractions than a typical MS64. It is often considered a sweet spot for collectors who want near-gem quality without the significant price increase associated with MS65s.
NGC, a world-renowned third-party grading service, provides further assurance of authenticity, grading accuracy, and market trust. The coin is securely encapsulated in a tamper-resistant holder that offers long-term protection and includes a label identifying its certification details. The “+” symbol reflects NGC’s recognition of a coin’s superior attributes within a numeric grade and is only awarded after an additional expert review, meaning this coin not only meets but exceeds expectations for its grade.
Composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, the 1890-O Morgan Dollar has a diameter of 38.1 mm and a mass of 26.73 grams. It contains 0.7734 troy ounces of actual silver weight. These specifications are consistent across all Morgan dollars and contribute to their enduring appeal among both numismatists and bullion investors. The precious metal content provides intrinsic value, while the historical significance and artistry of the design add considerable collectible worth, especially in well-preserved Mint State examples like this one.
This coin’s luster is particularly vibrant, exhibiting the classic cartwheel effect as it rotates under light. On this MS64+ specimen, the fields are reflective and bright, while the devices are sharply defined with only a few minor ticks visible under magnification. Any small imperfections, such as light chatter or faint frost breaks, are confined to non-distracting areas, enhancing the coin’s overall visual impact. Subtle peripheral toning or frosting, if present, would further enrich the eye appeal, making it stand out even more to discerning collectors.
For collectors building a date-and-mint set of Morgan dollars or focusing on higher-grade New Orleans issues, this coin is an outstanding candidate. The 1890-O is a necessary component in any complete Morgan dollar set, and securing it in such a high condition significantly elevates the collection. Additionally, collectors interested in coins with Southern U.S. mintmarks or those highlighting post-Reconstruction economic expansion will find this piece historically and thematically rewarding.
In summary, the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1890-O MS64+ NGC (B) is a top-tier representation of a commonly minted but rarely exceptional coin. With its superior strike, high-quality surfaces, rich luster, and prestigious “plus” grade, it offers the ideal blend of collectibility, historical significance, and investment-grade preservation. Whether for its beautiful rendition of Liberty and the American eagle or its testament to the resilience and capability of the New Orleans Mint, this coin is a prize addition to any serious collection of classic U.S. silver coinage.