1885-O Morgan Silver Dollar AU

The Morgan Silver Dollar -- One of America's Favorite Collector Coins

There's no doubt about it. Morgan Silver Dollars are among the most sought-after collector coins in America. For generations, their big size, hefty silver content and vintage 19th century design have secured their place at the top of the collecting pyramid.

The coins feature a portrait of Miss Liberty on the obverse and a spread-winged eagle on the reverse.

Struck from Comstock Lode Silver

The coin was made possible by the discovery of the Comstock Lode silver deposit in Nevada in the 1850s. With all the new silver available, congress authorized the largest striking of Silver Dollars ever in U.S. History. The new coin, designed by mint engraver George T. Morgan, quickly became known as the Morgan Silver Dollar. They were struck in 90% Comstock Lode silver and hundreds of millions were minted between 1878 and 1921. These big silver coins become part and parcel of the Wild, Wild West, with gamblers stacking them high on poker tables and outlaws robbing trains and banks to get them.

Millions Melted

But just as millions were minted, so were millions melted in during World Wars I and II. Coins that were once common became scarce, and collectors begin vying with each other to secure the highest quality examples.

Because of their immense popularity, Morgan Silver Dollars have become harder and harder to find over the years.

Big Hefty Silver Dollars, Struck at Five Different Mints

Each Morgan Silver Dollar is struck in 26.73 grams of silver and is 38.1 mm in diameter. The coins have a reeded edge. The coins were struck at Philadelphia, New Orleans, Carson City, Denver and San Francisco Mints.

1885-O Morgan

This Morgan Silver Dollar was struck at the "Big Easy" Mint in 1885. Over nine million were struck, but the ravages of time and growing collector interest make this coin harder to find as time passes. The New Orleans Mint was opened following heated congressional debate between Northern and Southern politicians over the financial independence of the South. Previous to this, the South relied on the Philadelphia Mint in the North to produce much of its coinage. Secure your 1885 New Orleans Morgan Dollar now while they're available.

This example is in About Uncirculated (AU) condition, showing only a slight trace of wear on Miss Liberty's hair and on the eagle's breast and the tips of its wings.

Your Morgan Silver Dollar comes in a numismatic flip and includes a certificate of authenticity.