The Last Morgan of the 20th Century - And Yes an Error!
The 1899 New Orleans Mint “Micro O” Error
Is it a Fake?
The “Micro O” was validated as an official “error” in 1951... half a century after it was originally produced. A few astute collectors originally thought someone was “making” O Mint 1899 Morgans… by taking a Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark) and cutting an O onto the coin.
How Can It Happen…?
To keep up with the production increase mandated earlier in the decade (1890 Sherman Act) it was common for the various US Mints to re-use dies, or even transfer dies to other facilities for use. For the Morgan Dollar it was a common practice to have the Philadelphia Mint create both the Obverse and Reverse dies… often leaving the “Mint Mark” counter pouch to the actual US Mint facility striking the coin.
It’s actually a Quarter Mint Mark!
You’ll never believe it… but experts were able to figure this one out! Most of the dies at the New Orleans Mint that struck the Morgan in 1899 were punched in New Orleans by Mint employees. But for one reverse die they used the “O” Mint Mark from the Barber Quarter... a smaller coin, thus a much smaller mint mark.
A Top Error!
Oops coins are always the most popular collectibles…! In the Morgan Dollar series there are a few that will always be remembered… the 1878 7 over 8 Tail Feather, The 1882 O over S, The 1887 Alligator Eye, The 1888 O Hot Lips, the 1900 O over CC and… now you have to include the 1899 Micro O. This item is presented in the custom Global Holder.
