1884-O Morgan Silver Dollar - 1884-O Morgan $1.00 NGC MS64 CAC. Outstanding rainbow toning characterizes this Southern branch mint, Mint State 1884-O Morgan Dollar. The obverse shows shades of light pink, sky blue, sea foam green, light gold, and burnt tangerine. The reverse is bright and white with a hint of gold toning at the rim. The surfaces are original and clean for the grade. The strike is above average with almost full details on the hair above Libertys ear and the eagles breast feathers. The CAC sicker confirms that the coin is a premium quality piece and is solid for the grade.

When he applied to the Mint for the position of Assistant Engraver, Morgan, designer of the dollar, wrote explaining his previous experiences: I am familiar with the engraving of coin dies, having for several years, assisted Messrs. J.S. & A.B. Wyon. I think I may say that I have a good knowledge of Design & Modeling. I served an apprenticeship to the Die Sinking at Birmingham. From Birmingham School of Art I successfully competed for a Scholarship at South Kensington during my Studentship I obtained Medals & Prizes for Models of Heads from Life, Figures from Life & Antique Heads from Photographs and Flowers from nature. I believe it is not usual for an Engraver to have a practical knowledge of Bronzing. Fortunately I have knowledge of this art and could in a short time so instruct an apt scholar that he would be able to successfully bronze a medal.

Morgans design shows a close head of Liberty in profile facing left. She wears a headband inscribed LIBERTY. In her hair are cotton, corn, wheat, and tobacco. She wears a modified Phrygian cap and is surrounded with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, thirteen stars (seven left and six right), and the date. The reverse shows an eagle with wings raised looking left. In its talons are arrows and olive branch, symbols of preparedness and peace. A wreath is below and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST is above. Except for the eagles wing tips, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DOLLAR circumscribe the design. The mintmark is below the wreath and above the denomination.