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The 1897 O Morgan Dollar is a highly sought-after coin among collectors. This coin was minted in Philadelphia, with a mintage of 12,000.
One of the key factors that determines the value of the 1897 O Morgan Dollar is its condition. Coins in better condition, with minimal wear and tear, are worth more than those that are heavily worn.
The 1897 O Morgan Dollar has a few different varieties, including the regular issue and the proof. The proof variety is particularly rare and valuable.
Understanding the Coin
The 1897 Morgan silver dollar is a rare and valuable coin, with a minimum value of $26.83.
Morgan silver dollars were minted from 1878 to 1921, and many rare and valuable dates and mintmark combinations are found throughout this period.
The coin's value can be determined by its condition, with accurately graded images and descriptions helping to uncover its worth.
History and Information
The coin has a rich history that dates back to ancient civilizations, with the first coins minted around 700 BC in ancient Greece.
The earliest coins were made from electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver, and were used as a form of currency in the ancient city of Lydia.
Coins were initially used to represent the value of goods and services, but over time, they became a standard unit of exchange.
The first gold coins were minted in ancient Lydia around 560 BC, and were stamped with official marks to guarantee their authenticity.
The use of coins spread rapidly throughout the ancient world, with the Romans adopting them as a standard form of currency in the 3rd century BC.
Coins were often decorated with intricate designs and symbols, which served as a way to convey messages and tell stories.
The first silver coins were minted in ancient Greece around 500 BC, and were used to finance military campaigns and public works projects.
Coins have played a significant role in shaping the course of history, from financing wars to facilitating trade and commerce.
The value of coins was initially tied to the value of the metal they were made from, but over time, their value became more abstract and was based on their acceptance as a form of currency.
Coin Study Articles
The Morgan Silver Dollar is a highly valuable coin, with a minimum value of $26.83 for some rare mintmarks and conditions.
These coins were produced from 1878 to 1921, and many of them have increased in value over time. Some early Morgan silver dollars, like the 1897 date, are becoming particularly valuable.
If you have a collection of old coins, it's essential to research their values accurately. You can find value charts and grading images online to help you determine the worth of your coins.
The 1897 Morgan silver dollar, for example, is one of the many rare and valuable dates and mintmark combinations found in the Morgan silver dollar series.
Determining Value
To determine the value of a 1897 O Morgan Silver Dollar, you need to consider its condition. Average Circulated coins are worth around $28.00.
The condition of your coin plays a huge role in its value. A coin in certified mint state (MS+) condition can bring as much as $43,000 at auction.
The Philadelphia Mint facility struck 731 proof dollars in 1897, making them highly collectible. Some of these proofs are designated as "cameos" or "deep cameos", which adds a premium to their value.
Value Assessment
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The value of a coin can vary greatly depending on its condition and rarity. A 1897 O Morgan Silver Dollar in Average Circulated condition is worth around $28.00.
To give you a better idea, a coin in certified mint state (MS+) condition can bring as much as $43,000 at auction. The value is significantly higher for coins that are in excellent condition.
The value of a 1897 (P) No Mint Mark Proof Silver Dollar can range from $775 to $85,000, depending on its grade and condition. A proof coin graded as low as XF45 is valued at $775.
A standard mint state coin starts at $2,200, while an example graded MS65 is worth $7,000. The finest proof coins certified by the PCGS are graded PR68 and are worth $30,000 a piece.
Cameos and deep cameos are also valuable, with prices starting at $2,650 and $5,750, respectively. The highest price paid for a cameo is $80,000, while a deep cameo graded PR68 is worth $85,000.
Details Raise Price
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Determining the condition of your coin is crucial to determining its value. A coin in uncirculated condition has never circulated through commerce, thus no wear has occurred to its surfaces.
The luster of an uncirculated coin should be like new, but wear dulls this luster and affects the high points of Liberty's cheek, temple, and hair.
A coin in extremely fine condition has slight but obvious removal of design and metal, with mint luster gone from large exposed areas.
In fine condition, a coin has moderate wear and moderate loss of detail, reducing major design elements of her cap and hair curls.
A coin in good condition is well worn, with most of the metal forming the high reliefs of design removed.
The 1897-o Morgan silver dollar's value is affected by its condition, with a fine condition coin valued at $34, but an uncirculated condition coin valued at $1,100.
Less than 100 coins have received the MS64 grade, making it a rare and expensive coin, valued at $10,500.
The finest known example of the 1897-o Morgan silver dollar is in MS67 condition, which has sold for as much as $348,000.
Return
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The return on your investment in a 1897 Morgan Silver Dollar can be significant, especially if you're able to find a coin in good condition.
Coins graded 1 or 2 command a premium over other circulated coins, with an 1897 no mint mark Morgan dollar graded 1 valued at $600 by the PCGS.
If you're looking to sell a mint state example, values start at $75 for an MS60, but can rise rapidly to $12,500 at MS64 for an 1897-O dollar.
Gem coins are rare, with only 38 believed to survive, and can be worth a significant amount, such as $75,000 for an 1897-O dollar at MS65.
Prooflike coins can also be valuable, ranging from $4,500 at MS60 to $14,500 at MS63 for an 1897-O dollar.
The rarity of a coin can greatly impact its value, with only 11,000 1897-O dollars estimated to be in mint state.
Coins that show heavy signs of wear are relatively rare, because of the Treasury's mid-century coin releases, making them more valuable, such as an 1897 no mint mark Morgan dollar graded 1 valued at $600.
Grading and Condition
The condition of your 1897 Morgan dollar can greatly impact its value. A Basal State-1 grade is the lowest grade for this coin.
To give you a better idea, here are the different grades and their corresponding descriptions:
These grades will help you determine the condition of your 1897 Morgan dollar and its potential value.
Grading
Grading is a crucial step in evaluating the condition of a Morgan Silver Dollar. The grade of a coin is determined by its level of wear and tear.
A Basal State-1 coin is the lowest grade, indicating significant wear and tear. Coins graded Fair have some details still visible, but are overall worn down.
The Very Fair grade indicates a coin with some remaining details, but overall it's quite worn. Coins graded Good have some remaining luster and are considered to be in decent condition.
The Very Good grade indicates a coin with some remaining details and some luster. Coins graded Fine have some remaining details and are considered to be in good condition.
A Very Fine coin has some remaining details and a smooth surface. The Extremely Fine grade indicates a coin with some remaining details and a very smooth surface.
Coins graded About Uncirculated have some minor marks and are considered to be in excellent condition. A Mint State coin has a high level of detail and a smooth surface.
Here's a summary of the grading scale:
Doubled Stars
The Doubled Stars variety on the 1897 Philadelphia mintage is a result of movement during the manufacturing process of the obverse die.
This movement led to double lines on the stars that circle the coin face, which can only be spotted with a microscope or loupe.
The value of a Doubled Stars coin depends on its condition, with the finest example graded MS66+ being the highest known.
However, there's no public sales information available for the MS66+ example, making it difficult to estimate its value.
A coin graded MS64+ sold at auction in 2021 for over $1,400, giving us an idea of the value of a well-preserved Doubled Stars coin.
Rare and Error Coins
Rare and error coins are a treasure trove for collectors, and the 1897 o Morgan dollar is no exception.
The 1897 o Morgan dollar has a unique error coin, known as the 1897 o overdate, which was caused by a die crack that resulted in an overdate error.
This error coin is highly sought after by collectors, with some examples selling for thousands of dollars.
The 1897 o Morgan dollar also has a rare variety known as the 1897 o with a weak or broken "7" in the date, which is often referred to as the "weak 7" variety.
The weak 7 variety is a result of a die wear issue that caused the "7" to be under-engraved, making it appear weak or broken.
Some examples of the weak 7 variety have sold for tens of thousands of dollars at auction.
The 1897 o Morgan dollar is a great example of how errors and varieties can greatly impact the value of a coin.
Selling and Where to Sell
If you're looking to sell your 1897 Morgan dollar, there are several options to consider. You can start by checking out online marketplaces like the ones listed in "Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)".
You can sell your coin online through websites like eBay, which is a popular platform for buying and selling collectibles, including coins. The pros of using eBay include a large user base and competitive pricing, but the cons include fees for listing and selling items.
If you're looking for a more specialized platform, you can try checking out PCGS or NGC, which are both well-known for their coin grading and authentication services. These websites can help you get a fair price for your coin, but they may charge a fee for their services.
You can also consider selling your coin to a local coin dealer or collector. This can be a good option if you're looking for a quick sale, but be sure to research the dealer and get a fair price for your coin.
The list of online sites to sell coins, including their pros and cons, is a great resource to have when deciding where to sell your 1897 Morgan dollar.
Judging and Assessing
A serious collector of Morgan dollars will consider the 1897-O a milestone addition to their collection.
In circulated, worn condition, finding a pleasing example of this coin is often a challenge.
To assess its value, consider the coin's quality of strike, which is exceptional in this case, rendering a highly detailed Morgan dollar.
This coin's bright luster framed by blue and gold toning sets it apart from others.
In mint state condition, a certified coin can bring a significant price at auction.
One such example sold at a David Lawrence Rare Coin Auction for a pleasing $1600 value.
The value of a 1897-O Morgan Silver Dollar in Average Circulated (AC) condition is around $28.00.
In mint state (MS+) condition, the price can reach as much as $43,000 at auction.
Reverse of the Coin
The reverse of the 1897 Morgan dollar is quite distinctive, featuring the motto "In God We Trust" in gothic lettering between the tips of its wings.
The country name curves around the top two-thirds of the coin edge, separated by a single star on either side from the denomination, which curves parallel to the bottom edge.
If your 1897 Morgan dollar was struck in Philadelphia, it won't have a mint mark. However, if it came from New Orleans or San Francisco, you'll find an "O" or an "S" respectively on the reverse, positioned towards the bottom, just above the "D" and "O" of dollar.
Pitted Reverse
The pitted reverse is a fascinating error that can significantly impact the value of a coin. This error occurred in 1897 due to a damaged reverse die in Philadelphia.
Rust had pitted the surface, causing indentations to be transferred to the coins struck by the die. The date on these coins is also further to the left than normal.
Coins with this error are coded VAM6A. A coin graded 10 can be worth as little as $61, but the value increases significantly as the grade improves.
An XF45 grade can fetch up to $80, while a coin graded MS60 can sell for $135.
Reverse of the
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The motto "In God We Trust" is inscribed in gothic lettering on the reverse of the coin, an unusual choice for American coins.
If you're looking at a 1897 silver dollar, you'll notice that the country name curves around the top two thirds of the coin edge, separated by single stars from the denomination.
The denomination, which is the value of the coin, curves parallel to the bottom edge of the coin.
1897 silver dollars struck in Philadelphia don't have a mint mark, but coins from New Orleans or San Francisco will have an "O" or an "S" respectively on the reverse.
The mint mark is positioned towards the bottom, just above the "D" and "O" of dollar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare is a 1897 silver dollar?
A 1897 silver dollar was once rare, but is now considered common in high grades due to a large release of uncirculated coins in the 1960s. However, its rarity can vary depending on the coin's condition and quality.
How much is a 1887 O'Morgan Dollar worth?
A 1887 O Morgan Dollar's value ranges from $39 to $90 in circulated condition, but can reach up to $31,000 in pristine, uncirculated condition. Its worth depends on its condition and authenticity.
Sources
- https://coinappraiser.com/coins/value-of-1897-silver-morgan-dollar/
- https://www.coinstudy.com/1897-morgan-silver-dollar-value.html
- https://cointrackers.com/coins/390/1897-o-morgan-silver-dollar/
- https://atlantagoldandcoin.com/11-morgan-silver-dollars-that-can-be-both-common-key-date-coins/
- https://www.coinvaluechecker.com/how-much-is-a-1897-silver-dollar-worth/
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