1879-O $1 PR BM

This extremely rare branch-mint Morgan dollar proof is perhaps the rarest of all proof Morgans and has an interesting story to tell. It is believed just 12 were minted on February 20, 1879, to commemorate the reopening of the New Orleans Mint following its closure in 1861 at the onset of the Civil War. These O-mint proofs are unknown by a large number of numismatists, and far fewer collectors have even seen one. On the rare occasion they are offered for sale, they inspire great attention in the numismatic media and also command strong bids. One PCGS-grade PR64 specimen realized an outstanding $184,000 at a March 2010 Stack’s-Bowers auction.

Obverse Description

Portrait of Liberty centered. On the left are found 7 stars with the words E*PLURIBUS*UNUM followed by 6 stars on the right. The date is positioned at the bottom.

Reverse Description

The heraldic eagle is centered holding a bunch of arrows and branch surrounded by and olive leaves. The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA * ONE DOLLAR frame the periphery. Mint mark, if any, appears above the letters DO of DOLLAR.