-
Inventory:
7 In Stock
- Product ID: 56529
Checkout
The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1901-O MS63 PCGS represents a well-preserved example from the turn of the 20th century, minted at the New Orleans branch of the U.S. Mint. This coin, encapsulated and graded by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) as Mint State 63, exhibits all the essential qualities sought after by collectors—sharp strike, frosty luster, and minimal contact marks for its grade. While the 1901-O Morgan is not among the rarest of the series, its high-grade certified examples remain highly collectible and are particularly appealing to those pursuing a complete set of Morgan Dollars.
The Morgan Dollar series, first issued in 1878, was designed by George T. Morgan, an English engraver who joined the U.S. Mint in 1876. His depiction of Liberty on the obverse broke away from classical Greco-Roman influences and instead used an American model, Anna Willess Williams, to represent Liberty with a distinctively American character. The Morgan Dollar became the most iconic silver dollar in U.S. coinage history and was struck in various mints including Philadelphia, San Francisco, Carson City, Denver, and New Orleans. The 1901-O issue stands out as the penultimate New Orleans Morgan struck before the Mint temporarily ceased coin production in 1909.
The obverse of the 1901-O Morgan Silver Dollar features Liberty’s left-facing profile, crowned with a Phrygian cap and adorned with cotton and wheat—symbols of American agricultural bounty and liberty. The inscriptions “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” the date “1901,” and thirteen stars surround the central portrait. On this MS63 specimen, Liberty's facial features and cap details remain well-defined, with clean separation between strands of hair and crisp edge denticles, indicating a solid strike for the New Orleans Mint, which was known for variable strike quality throughout the Morgan series.
The reverse design is equally compelling, showing a majestic eagle with wings fully outstretched. The eagle holds arrows and an olive branch, symbols of readiness for war and a desire for peace, respectively. Surrounding the eagle are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “ONE DOLLAR,” and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Below the wreath and above the “DO” of “DOLLAR” rests the “O” mintmark, denoting the New Orleans Mint. On this certified MS63 coin, the eagle’s feathers, wreath leaves, and text inscriptions show strong definition, with only minor areas of softness commonly found on New Orleans-struck dollars.
The New Orleans Mint, which operated intermittently from 1838 to 1909, was the only Southern branch mint to reopen after the Civil War. It played a crucial role in producing Morgan Dollars from 1879 through 1904. In 1901, the Mint struck 13,320,000 Morgan Dollars, making it one of the higher mintage issues for the series. However, as with many Morgan Dollars, the number of coins that survived in Mint State condition is significantly lower than the original mintage might suggest. Many 1901-O Morgans were placed in storage or released into circulation over the next several decades, with bags of uncirculated coins discovered and released in the mid-20th century.
The 1901-O is often encountered in lower Mint State grades, such as MS60 through MS62, but becomes less common in MS63 and higher. PCGS-certified MS63 examples offer an excellent blend of quality and affordability, featuring above-average luster and eye appeal without the premium price tags attached to gem-quality pieces. This specific coin, graded MS63 by PCGS, indicates a fully uncirculated coin with good eye appeal, minimal marks, and strong details, making it a prime candidate for type sets, date/mintmark collections, or investment portfolios focused on classic American silver coinage.
One of the standout attributes of this 1901-O coin is its original mint luster, which ranges from satiny to frosty and can exhibit attractive cartwheel effects when rotated under light. While not all New Orleans Morgans are known for brilliant luster, this example retains the rich surface texture expected of MS63 quality. Its overall surface preservation and lack of major detracting contact marks attest to careful handling and long-term preservation, likely having remained stored in bags or collections for most of its life.
The coin is housed in a PCGS holder, which not only provides reliable third-party authentication and grading but also preserves the coin’s condition against environmental damage. PCGS, established in 1986, is a widely respected grading authority, and its encapsulation gives buyers confidence in the accuracy and integrity of the assigned grade. Coins graded MS63 by PCGS are known for combining strong visual presence with accessibility, especially among collectors looking for premium but reasonably priced pieces.
From a market standpoint, the 1901-O Morgan Silver Dollar in MS63 remains a steady collector favorite. It bridges the gap between common-date affordability and numismatic significance, representing a high point in New Orleans Mint production before the Morgan series ended in 1904. While not considered rare, it is still notable for its above-average condition, strike, and preservation, all of which are further validated by the PCGS certification.
In conclusion, the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1901-O MS63 PCGS is a superb representation of early 20th-century American silver coinage. With its strong strike, classic design, brilliant luster, and solid Mint State grade, it embodies the lasting legacy of the Morgan Dollar series and the historic output of the New Orleans Mint. Whether acquired as part of a complete Morgan set or as a standalone investment in vintage silver coinage, this MS63 specimen delivers both historical value and enduring beauty that collectors will appreciate for generations to come.