#75 • 1881 Silver Morgan Dollar New Orleans

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

High bid $75.00

Status: Sold

Estimated Value: $200-500 Origin: United States Denomination: One Dollar Year: 1881 Mint: New Orleans Grade/Condition: Estimated: MS Metal: Silver Weight (+/- 0.2g): 26.7 Grams Additional Description: The 1881 Morgan Silver Dollar from the New Orleans Mint is a moderately scarce issue in the series. Identified by the “O” mint mark beneath the wreath on the reverse, this coin reflects the New Orleans Mint’s continued participation in the federal silver coinage program established under the Bland-Allison Act. With a relatively low mintage of just 5,708,000 pieces, the 1881-O Morgan is not the rarest of the series, but it presents challenges in condition. Many examples suffer from soft or uneven strikes, particularly in the hair above Liberty’s ear and the eagle’s breast feathers, an issue commonly associated with early New Orleans issues. Designed by George T. Morgan, the obverse shows a profile of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton. The reverse features a boldly spread eagle with arrows and an olive branch, encircled by the traditional inscriptions denoting denomination and national origin. Struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, the coin was part of the ongoing effort to monetize large quantities of silver purchased by the U.S. Treasury, often far exceeding actual public demand for silver dollars. The 1881-O Morgan Dollar remains an important piece for those assembling a complete date and mint set.