1891-O Morgan Dollar NGC XF45

The 1891-O Morgan Silver Dollar, minted at the New Orleans Mint, is a historically significant issue in the Morgan Dollar series, which was struck from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921. Composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, this coin contains 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver. Graded XF45 (Extremely Fine) by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), this example exhibits light but even wear, with nearly all design details remaining sharp and strong traces of mint luster still present.

Obverse Design:

Designed by George T. Morgan, the obverse features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty, inspired by schoolteacher Anna Willess Williams. She is adorned with a Phrygian cap, symbolizing liberty, along with a crown of cotton and wheat, representing American agricultural strength. The inscriptions include:

• "E PLURIBUS UNUM" arching along the upper rim
• Thirteen stars encircling the lower rim, representing the original thirteen colonies
• The date "1891" centered at the bottom

Reverse Design:

The reverse showcases a majestic bald eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons, symbolizing both peace and military readiness. A laurel wreath encircles the eagle, with the "O" mintmark just below, denoting its New Orleans Mint origin. The inscriptions include:

• "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" along the top rim
• "IN GOD WE TRUST" in Gothic-style script above the eagle
• "ONE DOLLAR" prominently displayed along the bottom rim

Key Features:

• NGC XF45 Grade – A lightly circulated example with minimal wear on the highest points, retaining strong details and some mint luster.
• New Orleans Mint Issue ("O" Mintmark) – Struck at the historic New Orleans Mint, known for producing Morgan Dollars with varying strike quality.
• 90% Silver Composition – Contains 0.7734 troy ounces of silver, offering both numismatic and intrinsic value.
• Classic Morgan Dollar Design – One of the most recognizable U.S. coin designs, featuring Liberty and the heraldic eagle.
• Scarce in High Grades – Many 1891-O Morgan Dollars were poorly struck, making well-preserved examples more desirable among collectors.

Collectibility & Investment Appeal:

The 1891-O Morgan Silver Dollar in NGC XF45 is an attractive mid-grade circulated example, offering collectors a well-preserved piece at an affordable price. While millions of these coins were struck, many saw heavy circulation, making higher-grade examples less common. This coin’s historical significance, strong detail retention, and connection to the famed New Orleans Mint make it a great addition to any Morgan Dollar collection or silver investment portfolio.