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The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1900-O/CC AU53 NGC is a fascinating and highly collectible variety within the Morgan dollar series, notable for its overmintmark anomaly that links the New Orleans and Carson City Mints. This piece, graded About Uncirculated 53 by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), exhibits light wear with much of its original detail and luster intact. It offers a compelling blend of historical intrigue, technical minting error, and aesthetic appeal, making it a standout piece for both Morgan dollar enthusiasts and specialists in mintmark varieties.
The 1900-O/CC Morgan dollar is a classic example of an overmintmark, where the “CC” mintmark of the Carson City Mint was inadvertently punched and subsequently overpunched with an “O” for the New Orleans Mint. This occurrence is believed to have resulted from the re-use of a leftover reverse die originally intended for Carson City, which had ceased coin production in 1893. Rather than discarding the die, the Mint repurposed it for use in New Orleans, saving time and resources. The remnants of the underlying “CC” mintmark are visible beneath the “O,” creating a dramatic and unmistakable feature that appeals to collectors of error and variety coins.
The obverse of the coin presents George T. Morgan’s renowned depiction of Liberty, wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with cotton and wheat, symbolizing agricultural unity. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arches across the top, with the date “1900” below and thirteen stars encircling the lower perimeter. On this AU53 specimen, Liberty’s profile is well-defined, with only slight friction visible on the high points of her cheek, hair, and cap. The fields retain traces of mint luster, and the coin’s overall eye appeal is strong, with no significant distractions or damage.
The reverse features the heraldic eagle design common to the Morgan dollar series. The eagle stands with wings spread, clutching arrows and an olive branch, framed by a laurel wreath. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” surrounds the upper periphery, with “ONE DOLLAR” at the bottom and “IN GOD WE TRUST” in Gothic script above the eagle’s head. The overmintmark—an “O” atop the ghostly remains of a “CC”—appears just beneath the wreath, between the “D” and “O” of “DOLLAR.” Even at AU53, the eagle’s feathers remain largely defined, and the overmintmark is discernible to the naked eye or under light magnification, enhancing the coin’s appeal as a variety.
The total mintage for the 1900-O Morgan dollar was a substantial 12,590,000 pieces. However, only a fraction of these are the O/CC variety, which makes it considerably scarcer than the base issue. While the precise number of O/CC examples struck is unknown, their relative scarcity, especially in higher grades, has made them a favorite among die variety collectors and Morgan dollar specialists. The overmintmark was not widely publicized until years later, which means many of these coins entered circulation or were melted down under the Pittman Act of 1918, further reducing the surviving population.
Graded AU53 by NGC, this coin resides in the upper tier of circulated grades, just below uncirculated. The About Uncirculated designation indicates that only light wear is present on the highest points, and most original detail is preserved. At AU53, the coin often retains significant original mint luster in protected areas such as the fields near the eagle’s wings or the curls in Liberty’s hair. The wear is typically uniform and smooth, without harsh abrasions or cleaning marks, and NGC’s certification confirms both its authenticity and its state of preservation.
NGC, as one of the two premier third-party grading services in the numismatic world, ensures that each coin it encapsulates is genuine and accurately graded. The holder protects the coin from environmental damage and confirms its status as a verified O/CC variety. Collectors place a premium on coins graded by NGC for the confidence and trust that the company brings to the marketplace. The AU53 grade, while accessible compared to mint state examples, still commands strong interest due to the coin’s variety status and the historical narrative it represents.
As with all Morgan dollars, the coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, has a diameter of 38.1 millimeters, and weighs 26.73 grams, with an actual silver content of 0.77344 troy ounces. While the silver content offers intrinsic value, it is the numismatic appeal that truly drives the demand for this variety. The overmintmark serves as a tangible reminder of minting practices in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when efficiency sometimes resulted in quirky and now highly collectible die characteristics.
The 1900-O/CC is not only a desirable mint error but also a symbol of the transition between the old Carson City Mint and the continuing operations at New Orleans. Collectors of Morgan dollar varieties or mintmark anomalies often view this issue as essential, and it is frequently included in advanced sets. While uncirculated examples are much rarer and command high premiums, AU-level pieces like this offer an excellent balance of affordability and visibility of the overmintmark.
In summary, the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1900-O/CC AU53 NGC is an attractive and historically important coin that combines a notable mint error with pleasing preservation. The overmintmark variety provides depth and character to any Morgan dollar collection, and its scarcity ensures long-term interest. With solid details, light wear, and third-party certification by NGC, this piece represents a highly collectible intersection of U.S. minting history and silver dollar artistry, making it an enduring favorite among both general collectors and die variety specialists.