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The 1900-O/CC Morgan Silver Dollar is a highly intriguing variety within the long-running Morgan Dollar series, made even more desirable in certified Mint State 62 condition by NGC. This coin represents a rare blend of mintmark history and production nuance, showcasing a transition from the famous Carson City Mint to the New Orleans Mint. As part of the Morgan series—which ran from 1878 to 1904 and then briefly in 1921—the 1900-O/CC overmintmark variety is one of the more well-known die anomalies, caused when a leftover Carson City reverse die was repunched with an "O" for use at the New Orleans Mint. The result is a hybrid coin that carries both the mystique of the Carson City legacy and the unique error that defines it as a sought-after numismatic variety.
The Morgan Silver Dollar was designed by George T. Morgan, an English engraver who came to the United States in 1876. His design features a profile of Lady Liberty on the obverse, inspired by Anna Willess Williams, a Philadelphia schoolteacher. Liberty is depicted in classical style, wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with cotton and wheat—symbols of American agriculture. Thirteen stars encircle the rim above, with the date "1900" located at the bottom. The legend “E PLURIBUS UNUM” completes the design above Liberty’s head. On certified MS62 examples, Liberty’s facial features are clear, though there may be some light contact marks in the fields or high points, as is typical for this grade.
The reverse of the coin is equally iconic, featuring a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings clutching arrows and an olive branch, a design that symbolizes both military readiness and peace. Above the eagle is the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and surrounding the eagle are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR.” Beneath the wreath, at the bottom of the reverse, is where the mintmark appears. On the 1900-O/CC variety, the "O" mintmark was punched over a previously existing "CC" mintmark, leaving behind remnants of the underlying letters. This overmintmark is clearly visible on many specimens, with portions of the "CC" discernible under magnification, depending on the sharpness of the strike and die state.
This fascinating error occurred during a period of transition and resource conservation. In the late 1890s, the Carson City Mint ceased coinage operations due to declining silver production and shifting minting priorities. However, the U.S. Mint had remaining unused reverse dies bearing the "CC" mintmark. Rather than discarding these costly hardened steel dies, the New Orleans Mint repurposed them by overpunching their own “O” mintmark on top of the Carson City designation. This practice resulted in the creation of the 1900-O/CC overmintmark, a type of die variety that adds significant interest and value to the coin.
The 1900-O/CC Morgan Dollar was minted at the New Orleans Mint, which struck silver dollars for decades as one of the primary producers of the Morgan series. The total mintage for the 1900-O Morgan Dollar was a substantial 12,590,000 coins. However, only a small portion of these were produced using the overpunched CC dies. Although there are no exact mintage figures for the O/CC variety, it is widely understood to be a small minority of the total output, making it considerably scarcer than regular issues. The variety was not widely known until the mid-20th century, and its discovery added excitement to the hunt for mintmark errors and die anomalies in the series.
In certified MS62 condition by NGC, the 1900-O/CC Morgan Dollar occupies an important space for collectors who seek uncirculated coins without the steep premiums associated with higher grades. Mint State 62 is the lower end of the uncirculated spectrum, typically showing moderate contact marks, abrasions in the fields, or slightly weak strikes in certain areas. Nevertheless, these coins remain visually appealing, especially when the overmintmark is strong and identifiable. Collectors often gravitate toward MS62 examples as they offer a favorable balance between eye appeal and affordability, particularly for scarcer varieties like the O/CC.
Coins certified by NGC are encapsulated in protective holders that guarantee authenticity, provide a standardized grade, and help preserve the coin's condition long-term. The label clearly denotes the overmintmark variety, ensuring that collectors and dealers alike recognize its added value and rarity. Because many O/CC examples went unnoticed in bags for decades, those that survive in mint state grades are particularly prized. The presence of the O/CC overmark must be confirmed through visible remnants of the underlying “CC” mintmark beneath the “O,” a feature that is easier to identify on earlier die states and more faint on later, more worn dies.
Market demand for the 1900-O/CC Morgan Dollar remains strong, driven by the dual appeal of its mintmark anomaly and its association with the fabled Carson City Mint. While the coin was technically struck in New Orleans, the presence of the “CC” mintmark remnants lends it an aura of western frontier legacy, further enhancing its desirability. This variety is often listed separately in numismatic catalogs and price guides, including the Red Book and various third-party grading service registries. It also enjoys popularity in Morgan Dollar variety sets and Carson City-themed collections.
Eye appeal plays a key role in the value of MS62 examples. Many coins exhibit frosty luster, original mint surfaces, and strong strike details—especially in the hair over Liberty’s ear and the breast feathers on the eagle. Toners and coins with attractive peripheral colorations can command premiums even within this grade level. Conversely, dull or heavily abraded coins, even if technically MS62, may trade at a discount. Collectors looking for the best examples within this grade should examine strike strength, luster, and overmintmark clarity when making purchasing decisions.
As with most Morgan Dollar varieties, the 1900-O/CC enjoys additional interest when accompanied by strong provenance or special packaging, such as inclusion in old coin albums or GSA-style displays. However, it is the overmintmark itself that makes this coin truly special—a rare glimpse into the resourceful practices of the U.S. Mint during a time of transition. For variety specialists and Morgan collectors, owning a 1900-O/CC is not just about acquiring another date and mintmark combination; it’s about capturing a tangible example of mint history and error production in a period when every die and every coin told a unique story.
The Certified 1900-O/CC Morgan Silver Dollar in MS62 NGC encapsulates both the romance and complexity of American silver dollar production at the turn of the 20th century. With its distinct overmintmark, historical background, and collectible status, it remains a key piece in any advanced Morgan Dollar collection, offering both investment potential and a direct connection to the mints that helped shape the American West and its numismatic legacy.