#36 • 1880 Silver Morgan Dollar New Orleans

Part of Gold and Silver Showcase (live auction by Blue Box Auction Gallery)

High bid $110.00

Status: Sold

Estimated Value: $100-400 Origin: United States Denomination: One Dollar Year: 1880 Mint: New Orleans Grade/Condition: Estimated: MS Metal: Silver Weight (+/- 0.2g): Estimated: 26.7 Grams Additional Description: The 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar from the New Orleans Mint is the second year this southern branch mint struck coins in the series, identifiable by the “O” mint mark located just below the wreath on the reverse. Designed by George T. Morgan, the obverse features the classical profile of Lady Liberty, wearing a Phrygian cap and crowned with cotton and wheat, symbols of liberty and agricultural abundance. The reverse presents a heraldic eagle with wings outstretched, clutching arrows and an olive branch, encircled by the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR.” Struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, Morgans of this era, the 1880-O was issued under the provisions of the Bland-Allison Act, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase vast amounts of silver for coinage, a policy that significantly expanded silver dollar production in the post-Reconstruction period.