The
year 1895 is significant in the Morgan silver dollar series, as it encompasses
some of the most prized issues of the design type. The 1895 Philadelphia issue
is recognized as the “King” of the series, struck only in Proof format to a
quantity of just 880 examples. The two operating branch mints trimmed their
production figures by two thirds compared to the year prior, as bags of dollars
filled the vaults of the Treasury Department. Just 400,000 silver dollars were
struck at the San Francisco Mint, and while a few bags were released in the
mid-20th century, the 1895-S remains scarce in Mint State. The
coiners at the New Orleans Mint prioritized quantity over quality, and most
1895-O dollars have poorly defined features that are characteristic of this
southern facility. Only 450,000 examples were struck and relatively few were
placed into storage, with perhaps 100,000 or more coins entering circulation
shortly after striking. The 1895-O is very scarce in Mint State, and potentially
as few as 250 examples remain today. Most of these are found in MS-60 through
MS-62 and feature heavy bagmarks and a weak strike. Choice Mint State pieces
are rare and in Gem and above, the 1895-O is an extreme rarity with just 10 to
15 known.
Lot 10102
in our November 2017 Rarities Night session is a magnificent MS-65 (PCGS) 1895-O
dollar that is original and new to the market. It ranks among the finest
survivors from this issue, with only five coins graded finer through MS-67 by
PCGS. Splashes of deep blue at the rims surround lavender and apricot
iridescence on each side. The strike is exceptional, with strong definition to
the hair over Liberty’s ear and the eagle’s breast. There is also to satiny
luster that is lightly reflective in the fields. Unmarked and choice for the
grade, this remarkable specimen offers both superior technical quality and
stunning eye appeal!
This
New Orleans Gem will be featured in lot 10102
of Rarities Night
of our November 2017 Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles
Baltimore Expo, appearing alongside such treasures as a Mint State 1792
Silver Center cent from the Cardinal Collection Educational
Foundation and a Choice Mint State
1796 Stars quarter eagle from the Murray Hill Collection. Call us
today at 1-800-458-4646 to secure your copy of this exciting catalog. Also,
download our mobile app to participate via your Android or Apple device.
Email info@StacksBowers.com for
more information.
