The mint in New Orleans has not been operational since 1909, has been a museum since then and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. But as a tribute to the millions of Morgan Silver Dollars issued there from 1879 to 1904, 2021-O Morgan Dollar (Buy on eBay) were struck. Since there is no operating branch mint there, they could not strike them with mint marks and instead used “O” privy marks on the reverse similar to the ones used for the Carson City Mint that appear within raised ovals.
The coins went on sale on March 24 with a household order limit of ten coins and became “currently unavailable” within 25 minutes with initial sales of 174,325 and final sales of 173,540 after reconciling orders and accounting for returns. Like the “CC” privy mark coins, the “O” privy mark issues have also been among the most popular issues that have sold for some of the highest retail market premiums of the 2021 Morgan dollars.
On December 14, 8,537 coins were offered for sale due to order cancellations and order reconciliations, selling out very quickly once again.
NGC currently values this coin in MS70 at $250 with 32,363 coins in that grade as of early May 2022 and in MS69 at $175 and 7,193 coins in that grade, but prices will vary depending on the particular label on graded examples.
PCGS values MS70s at $250 and MS69s at $160. 12,533 coins have been graded MS70 there, while 4,889 were graded MS69 as of May 11, 2022.
Elevated Demand For The 2021-O Morgan Dollar
The opportunity to own a Morgan Dollar featuring the “O” mint mark for New Orleans certainly appeals to today’s collectors and the demand shows it. Not since 1921 has this opportunity existing and collectors are taking full advantage. Second to the 2021-CC Morgan Dollar, the “O” Morgan Dollar experienced significant demand in the secondary market.
2021-O Morgan Dollar Mintage and Specifications
- Mintage: 174,715
- Mint Mark: O (New Orleans privy mark)
- Composition: .999 fine silver
- Weight: 26.73 grams
- Diameter: 38.1 millimeters
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