1888-O S$1

Description

1888-O Morgan Dollar, PCGS MS-66. This exceptional 1888-O Morgan dollar represents one of the most significant issues from the New Orleans Mint, graded PCGS MS-66 (Certificate #55908130). Composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, this iconic American dollar weighs 26.73 grams and displays the classic reeded edge characteristic of the series. Designed by George T. Morgan, the coin exemplifies the artistry of late 19th-century American coinage. The 1888-O carries considerable numismatic importance due to its complex market history. Originally minted to a substantial 12,150,000-piece circulation strike mintage, massive quantities of this issue entered the collector market during two major Treasury releases: first in small quantities from 1946-1958, and then dramatically in 1962-1964 when hundreds of thousands emerged from a sealed vault at the Philadelphia Mint. Despite this availability, the MS-65 level represents a notable scarcity threshold, with an estimated population of only 4,000 to 8,000 pieces—making this MS-66 example genuinely desirable. The PCGS population data reflects this rarity at the higher grades, with only 68 coins graded finer out of 413 total submissions. This particular specimen showcases the characteristic features collectors seek: while the 1888-O is typically lightly struck at the centers (affecting approximately 80-90% of all examples), sharply struck coins do exist and command premium consideration. The coin's current market valuation of $1,800 reflects its position as a key date within the Morgan series, particularly at this elevated grade level where sharpness and eye appeal become increasingly important factors.