Presented in lot 4181 of our Spring 2024 Rarities Night session is a prooflike Gem Morgan dollar from the New Orleans Mint. This 1880/79-O is a stunning strike and condition rarity for this pronounced overdate in the early Morgan dollar series. Brilliant silver-white surfaces are enhanced by bold cameo contrast between frosty devices and highly reflective fields. Fully struck throughout and smooth enough to evoke thoughts of an even higher numeric grade. Both CAC and CMQ approved this gem for its exquisite eye appeal and the superior quality surfaces it possesses for the assigned grade. Emphasizing how astonishing this example of the VAM-4 overdate is, PCGS has graded none finer. It is tied for the finest known at the grading service and just one of two with a CAC sticker.
A bold remnant of the 7 within the upper loop of the second digit 8 confirms this as one of the Crossbar Overdates of the issue (the other is VAM-5, with a Medium Oval O mintmark). This specimen will be a centerpiece in the finest of Morgan dollar cabinets assembled by a highly advanced enthusiast. Whether you are a collector specializing in prooflike Morgan dollars or VAM varieties within this series, the offered coin simply cannot be improved upon and deserves an aggressive bidding strategy.
For more information about the Stack’s Bowers Galleries Spring 2024 Showcase auction visit StacksBowers.com. To consign your coins or paper money to one of our future sales call 800-458-4646 or email Consign@StacksBowers.com.
