LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 (ANA) Signature Coin Auction #444  / 

1758

1897-O $1 MS66 NGC

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:37,500.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1897-O $1 MS66 NGC
<B>1897-O $1 MS66 NGC.</B></I> Most examples of the 1897-O Morgan dollar suffer from problematic strike or luster, and sometimes both criteria are an issue. Although most collectors would not name this issue in their top few most desirable dollars of the series--1893-S, 1892-S, 1901, 1884-S, 1886-O, 1895-O--the fact remains that the 1897-O, like its better-known brethren the 1895-O and 1896-O, is a challenging and elusive issue in the higher Mint State grades. That statement applies quadruply when the coin boasts superlative luster, a bold strike, and overall superb eye appeal, as does the present specimen.<BR> To begin with, the surfaces show no-questions cartwheel luster, full and radiant on both sides, that would look equally right at home on an early S-mint Morgan, but that is seldom seen on this luster-challenged issue.<BR> The strike is nothing short of phenomenal on this coin. While it stops just short of being full, it is virtually so, with no mentionable weakness visible either on the hair above Liberty's ear or the eagle's breast. Only the highpoint hair below LIB shows just a touch of softness, and neither is there weakness on the lower wreath details on the reverse.<BR> The surfaces, silver-gray with a light wash of gold coloration seen on both sides, are head and shoulders above the typical example in terms of contact marks--or the lack thereof. To the unaided eye both sides are remarkably free of abrasions, the single exception a small tick near the end of Liberty's jaw mentioned for accuracy.<BR> As confirmation of the rarity of this issue in MS66, NGC has certified only this single piece as a Premium Gem, and a single MS67 piece surpasses it in terms of numerical grade. At PCGS, there are five pieces graded MS66, with two finer (7/07). A memorable coin for a memorable Morgan dollar collection.<BR><BR><B>Coin Engraver:</B> George T. Morgan<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coins & Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>\)
Sign In to Bookmark Lot