1879 (O) Proof Morgan Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$184,000 SP0 02-15-2010 Bowers & Merena

Description

The 1879 (O) Proof Morgan Dollar is a proof dollar struck at the New Orleans Mint, part of the Morgan Dollars 1878-1921 series. With a mintage of 12, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 8 mint variants, representing only less than 1% of total production. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton, encircled by stars and the reverse displays an eagle with outstretched wings clutching an olive branch and arrows, surrounded by a wreath. The 1879-CC is scarce and sought after as an early Carson City issue. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the New Orleans Mint, which operated from 1838 to 1909 and produced coins prized for their historical Southern provenance. Auction record: $184,000 SP0 02-15-2010 Bowers & Merena. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 26.73 grams, 38.1 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #7345.