1879-O Morgan Dollar

The New Orleans Mint had previously closed down in 1861 but reopened again 1879 with the majority of their newly reinstated production being the Morgan Silver Dollars. The 1879-O Morgan Silver Dollar was needed in the Mississippi Valley area, so a portion of the newly struck Morgan Silver dollars went out into circulation almost immediately after striking. A portion of the mintage didn’t go into circulation, however.

History of the 1879-O Morgan Silver Dollar

It’s believed that many of the 1879-O Morgan Dollars slowly trickled out into the market. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the 1879-O Morgan Silver Dollar was considered scarce. It wasn’t until 1957 when some mint-sealed bags were released, mostly into the hands of dealers. Many bags of 1000 uncirculated coins were released in 1962 which was the beginning of the depletion of the government’s supply of dollars at the time.

The majority of 1879-O Morgan Dollars have an attractive, frosty surface, and are good or above average striking. Some can be found with bagmarkings. Some experts have found that a portion of 1979-O Morgan Silver Dollars were lightly circulated and then recalled and resealed in Mint-sealed bags, so it is worth taking a close look so you know what you are purchasing.