2128

1896-O S$1 SP64 NGC.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1896-O S$1 SP64 NGC.
1896-O S$1 SP64 NGC. There are few issues in the Morgan dollar series that are full of more contradictions and misunderstandings than the 1896-O. The mintage was substantial, even by Morgan dollar standards, with 4.9 million pieces produced. Yet, the '96-O is one of the weakest struck, most lackluster, and generally unattractive coins in the entire series. When speaking of prooflike examples, both Dave Bowers and Wayne Miller gave cautious reviews of the 1896-O: "Prooflike coins are occasionally available and are usually well struck with deep mirror surfaces, but they are abraded and have dull lustre." Miller's assessment was even gloomier: "Prooflike specimens of the 1896-O are occasionally available, although very rare. Such specimens are usually well-struck, with deep mirror surfaces. However, because of very dull luster, cloudy surfaces and plentiful abrasions, they are among the least attractive of all prooflike dollars." What then to make of this coin? It certainly has a different texture and overall appearance from any other 1896-O dollar we have ever seen. It absolutely breaks all the rules regarding '96-O dollars. First, the fields are very deeply mirrored, more than just what might be expected from a Deep Mirror Prooflike dollar. The only break in the reflective surface are in the nooks and crannies of the design such as between the eagle's neck and right (facing) wing, and below the eagle's left (facing) talons. These tiny areas of frost are consistent with almost all other branch mint proofs we have seen--undoubtedly a result of branch mint personnel who were unfamiliar with proofing techniques and yet desirous of producing a limited number of specially struck Specimen or Proof coins. In stark contrast to the depth of mirrors in the fields is a significant overlay of mint frost on the devices. While unacknowledged as such on the holder, the cameo effect is quite pronounced. Each side is brilliant and there is a small spot of haziness in the field just in front of Liberty's nose that will easily serve as a pedigree identifier. There are light vertical hairlines on the obverse, but none on the reverse. While certainly not desirable, the hairlines actually support the contention that this is a Specimen striking as most proofs have been cleaned at one time or another. Much more could be said about this piece, but the coin has to speak for itself to prospective bidders, as we are certain it will. Important notice: Heritage usually auctions material at the rate of 200-250 lots per hour. On some occasions eBay Live bid software or the Internet may not be able to keep up with the pace of the auction. We recommend placing a realistic absentee bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Occasionally the auctioneer may eliminate or reject an eBay Live bid, and the auctioneer may also reopen a lot after the close of the eBay live bidding (usually because we missed an audience bid), and may reject your bid even if it shows you as the winning bidder. By bidding via eBay Live, you agree that Heritage may award the lot to another bidder at its sole discretion under the circumstances described above or any other reasonable circumstances. Also please note that all Heritage lots purchased through eBay Live carry a 20% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions before you bid.