1886-O Morgan Dollar
Guidelines for Collecting:
The New Orleans Mint struck silver dollars exclusively this year. Nevertheless, production was sloppy with the dies spaced too far apart. Millions of coins were poorly struck. Most were released in the 19th century or melted in 1918 and very few were ever saved for numismatic purposes. Striking varies from flat at the centers to fairly sharp. Luster ranges from flat and grainy to fairly frosty. The 1886-O is very common in worn grades and exceedingly rare in gem Mint State.
Availability in Circulated Grades:
Always available in lightly circulated EF and AU, with a plenitude of lower grades also available. The majority of the mintage saw circulation, lengthy or limited, but pocket change nonetheless.
Availability in Mint State Grades:
The 1886-O is one of “those” Morgan dollars, plentiful in all grades up to choice AU-58, but after that it is catch as catch can to find a pleasing Mint State coin. Even at “just” MS-60 to 62 the date proves elusive, and at MS-63 and above collectors face one of the first great challenges in the series. A pleasingly lustrous and nicely struck MS-63 coin represents value and quality without harming your numismatic budget.
Availability in Proof:
None produced.
The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in the November 2021 Baltimore Auction, where it realized $5,280.
1886-O Morgan Dollar Auction Highlights
 PCGS MS-67 DMPL, CAC Sold for $780,000 View Lot 6333 |  PCGS MS-64, CAC Sold for $13,225 View Lot 1207 |  PCGS MS-64, CAC Sold for $12,925 View Lot 13223 |
