Photo Credit: NJM-Coins-Inc
PCGS 1883-O Morgan Silver Dollar Certified MS-65+
Buy It Now Price: $159.99 (price as of 2018; item no longer available)
Pros:
-This gorgeous PCGS 1883-O Morgan silver dollar has been certified MS-65+ by the world's leading third-party coin grading service - Professional Coin Grading Service. Morgan silver dollars are widely regarded as the most iconic coin ever struck by the U.S. Mint, having strong connotations with the American Old West.
-Morgan silver dollars are impressively large coins, with a weight of 0.8594 troy ounces (26.73 grams) and a diameter of 1.5 inches (38.1 mm). They were minted from the traditional U.S. coinage alloy of 90% silver and 10% copper, resulting in a net silver content of 0.77344 troy ounces (24.06 grams).
-Coins are graded on a scale that ranges from MS-1 (a nearly indecipherable slug) to MS-70 (a perfect coin with no marks even under 5x magnification). MS-60 to MS-70 are all uncirculated, with the higher grades within that range featuring fewer marks, nicks and hairlines. MS-65 is a very high, very desirable grade for Morgan silver dollars.
-PCGS was the very first third-party grading/authentication service for coins, having been founded in 1985. Before that time, during the 1970s and early 1980s, overgraded, harshly cleaned and even fake coins were a major problem in the numismatic community. PCGS and other respected third-party grading services have given collectors and investors the confidence that a coin put up for sale is exactly what it claims to be.
-Morgan silver dollars were struck at four different mints (Philadelphia, New Orleans, Carson City and San Francisco) from 1878 to 1904 and then for one more year in 1921 (also at the Denver Mint) before being replaced by the Peace dollar.
-The New Orleans Mint operated from 1838 to 1861 and, after a Civil War induced hiatus, from 1879 to 1909. Morgan silver dollars struck at New Orleans often suffer from weak strikes. However, this PCGS 1883-O Morgan silver dollar has a very good strike for a New Orleans issue.
-According to PCGS, the + (plus) designation means that a coin "exhibits exceptional eye appeal for the grade and constitutes the top 30% of the coins in the grade." This PCGS 1883-O Morgan silver dollar is graded MS-65+, confirming its extraordinary beauty and phenomenal eye appeal.
-Uncirculated Morgan silver dollars have suffered a brutal bear market for nearly 30 years since the bursting of the great certified coin bubble of 1989. Ironically, I think that makes them a great buy today. After all, you can now purchase this alluring and historic PCGS 1883-O Morgan silver dollar in MS-65+ condition for the same price that it probably traded at in the mid 1980s! There are very few investments around today that you can still pick up for 1980s pricing.
-When investing in certified Morgan silver dollars, eye appeal is paramount. Fortunately, this PCGS 1883-O Morgan silver dollar has it! It is not only an exceptionally high grade MS-65 example, but is also a highly lustrous, "blast white" coin. At only $160, I think this silver dollar would make a great addition to a coin collection or investment portfolio.
MS-65 PCGS Certified Morgan Silver Dollars For Sale
Cons:
-1883-O is a relatively common date and mint for the Morgan silver dollar series. This is partially offset by the fact that this specimen is in such excellent condition. While 8,725,000 silver dollars were struck in New Orleans in 1883, PCGS has only graded 9,479 of these coins in MS-65 condition. Of those, only 163 have qualified for the + (plus) designation.
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