1889-O Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-65 (NGC).A noteworthy strike rarity in an 1889-O Morgan dollar, this impressive Gem is sharply defined overall with emerging to bold detail at the central high points. Both sides are highly lustrous with a frosty texture and smooth appearance. The reverse exhibits a crescent of reddish-gold toning along the left border, the obverse more extensively patinated in splashes of iridescent powder blue, salmon pink, reddish-rose and golden-apricot. Thanks to the release of examples from federal vaults over a number of years from the late 1930s to the early 1960s, survivors of this 11,875,000-piece issue are plentiful in an absolute sense. Most are poorly struck with blunt high point definition, however, and many also possess indifferent luster quality and/or numerous abrasions. Those are not the kind of coins of which Gems are made and, indeed, this issue is scarce in MS-65 and rare any finer. Far nicer than the typically offered 1889-O dollar in todays market, the present example is sure to catch the eye of astute bidders.
