1897-O Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-67 (PCGS). CAC. The Miller 1897-O is a phenomenal strike and condition rarity that well represents this challenging New Orleans Mint Morgan dollar. The strike is as full as we have ever seen for the issue, and rivals that seen even on the best struck San Francisco Mint Morgan dollars. The luster is equally impressive, with both sides displaying smooth mint frost over virtually pristine surfaces. Enhanced by blushes of champagne-pink and pale silver iridescence, this is a gorgeous coin that is unsurpassed in either quality or eye appeal by any other 1897-O dollar that your cataloger (JLA) has handled for auction over the last 20 years.<p>Though 4,004,000 coins were struck, the 1897-O is scarce in grades above MS-63. Comparatively few bags came to market throughout the Treasury Department releases of the mid 20th century, and most of these Uncirculated examples showed bagmarks and other evidence of mishandling. Indeed, one of the finest survivors is the famous Eliasberg specimen that John M. Clapp acquired directly from the New Orleans Mint in 1897, certified MS-66+ by PCGS as of 2012. The Jack Lee II-Larry H. Miller specimen is even more highly regarded by PCGS, and it must also have been set aside in the year of issue and subsequently handled with the utmost care. PCGS has bestowed the MS-67 grade on only one other 1897-O dollar, the Gregg Bingham NFL Collection coin (Heritage, January 2001 FUN Signature Sale, lot 7977). As of this writing, only the Jack Lee II-Larry H. Miller specimen has had its PCGS MS-67 grade verified by CAC. It is an outstanding coin worthy of the strongest bids. From the Larry H. Miller Collection. Earlier ex Jack Lee II Collection; Heritages sale of the Jack Lee III Collection, November 2005 Dallas, TX Signature Auction, lot 2329 From the Larry H. Miller Collection. Earlier ex Jack Lee II Collection; Heritages sale of the Jack Lee III Collection, November 2005 Dallas, TX Signature Auction, lot 2329
