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The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1900-O/CC MS64 NGC is a rare and captivating variety in the Morgan dollar series, distinguished by its striking overmintmark—a bold “O” punched over the remnants of a “CC.” Graded Mint State 64 by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), this specimen is a superb near-gem quality example of one of the most desirable varieties in the series. It represents a fascinating chapter in U.S. Mint history, where leftover dies from the decommissioned Carson City Mint were repurposed for use in New Orleans, producing a dramatic and clearly visible mintmark anomaly that continues to attract collectors and specialists alike.
The story of the 1900-O/CC begins with the closure of the Carson City Mint in 1893. Despite ceasing operations, several of its unused dies remained in inventory. In an effort to economize, the U.S. Mint authorized the reuse of some of these reverse dies. In 1900, a die originally prepared with the distinctive “CC” mintmark for Carson City was overpunched with an “O” to designate the New Orleans Mint. The result was a coin bearing traces of both mintmarks, creating one of the most famous overmintmark varieties in U.S. numismatics. While overdates and repunched mintmarks were not uncommon in 19th-century coinage, this combination of two mintmarks from two different mints gives the 1900-O/CC a special place in the Morgan dollar lineage.
The obverse of the coin features George T. Morgan’s iconic depiction of Liberty facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap crowned with wheat and cotton—a symbol of the unity of American agriculture. Thirteen stars arc along the lower edge, with the date “1900” at the bottom. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” encircles the top of the coin. On this MS64 example, the fields retain strong luster with only minor contact marks typical for the grade. Liberty’s cheek, often the focal point of grading for Morgan dollars, is smooth and clean, with a bold strike highlighting intricate details in her hair and cap.
The reverse design, consistent throughout the Morgan series, features a heraldic eagle with wings spread, clutching arrows and an olive branch—symbols of war and peace. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “ONE DOLLAR” are arranged around the eagle. Just beneath the wreath and above the “D” and “O” in “DOLLAR” lies the overmintmark. Under magnification or angled lighting, the vestiges of the underlying “CC” mintmark are plainly visible beneath the dominant “O,” creating the hallmark feature of this variety. On a Mint State 64 coin, the eagle’s breast feathers remain sharp, the fields are largely unblemished, and the devices rise crisply from the surface.
The total mintage for the 1900-O Morgan dollar was a substantial 12,590,000 coins, but only a small fraction are the O/CC overmintmark variety. While exact figures remain unknown, the relative rarity of the variety is clear, particularly in Mint State. Many examples circulated heavily or were melted in subsequent years, leaving a smaller surviving population in high grades. The overmintmark was not well known in the coin community until decades later, meaning that many early collectors and dealers overlooked its significance, contributing to its present-day scarcity in top condition.
Graded MS64 by NGC, this specimen stands just one point below gem uncirculated and exhibits a strong strike, vibrant luster, and pleasing surfaces. MS64 is a particularly desirable grade for this variety, offering near-gem quality without the substantial price jump often associated with MS65 examples. Coins at this level may show a few light contact marks or faint hairlines, but overall eye appeal is excellent. The high state of preservation ensures that the defining overmintmark feature remains sharp and easily discernible, which is especially important for collectors focused on variety and error coins.
Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) is one of the two most respected grading services in the numismatic community. Its encapsulation guarantees authenticity, ensures accurate attribution of the O/CC variety, and preserves the coin’s surfaces from future degradation. With the coin housed securely in NGC’s protective holder, collectors and investors alike can be confident in the quality and provenance of their acquisition. NGC’s reputation for strict standards means that a 1900-O/CC in MS64 condition has been evaluated under rigorous scrutiny and represents a premium-quality specimen.
As with all Morgan dollars, this coin is struck from a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 26.73 grams with a diameter of 38.1 millimeters. Its actual silver content is 0.77344 troy ounces. While its silver value provides a tangible floor, it is the coin’s scarcity, variety status, and high grade that drive its considerable numismatic premium. The combination of mint error appeal and mint state preservation places it firmly among the most collectible Morgan dollars for advanced sets and type collections.
The 1900-O/CC variety is often targeted by collectors seeking to assemble a complete Morgan dollar collection that includes significant die varieties. Its status as a transitional artifact—representing the last vestiges of Carson City and the ongoing production of New Orleans—gives it an added dimension of historical interest. It is both a numismatic anomaly and a tangible reminder of the Mint’s operational pragmatism at the dawn of the 20th century. Enthusiasts of overdates, repunched mintmarks, and other die variations consider the O/CC one of the top varieties in the entire series.
In conclusion, the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1900-O/CC MS64 NGC is a standout example of one of the Morgan series' most celebrated varieties. Its blend of minting history, die reuse, and visual drama makes it a must-have for serious collectors. With a nearly pristine grade, strong strike, and certified attribution by NGC, this coin embodies both beauty and intrigue. Whether pursued for its rarity, its connection to two historic mints, or its elevated grade, the 1900-O/CC in MS64 offers enduring value and exceptional appeal.