1895-O $1 MS DMPL

Key to Collecting: The 1895-O is often seen in circulated grades, and among higher-level pieces, AU examples are encountered with frequency. There are scads of high EF and AU coins around, indicating that many 1895-O dollars must have been in circulation for only a short time. “Mint State” coins do exist, including some that should be designated AU. To obtain a decent one, look at the MS-63 grade, at least, and be prepared to spend a lot of money. No matter the grade, most are casually if not lightly struck and have dull, insipid luster. The 1895-O emerged as the single circulationstrike variety that is not known to have been a part of any Treasury releases via bags.

Surface Quality: Striking is usually below average to average, not often sharp. Cherrypicking is encouraged, not easy to do with 1895-O as Mint State pieces are quite elusive. High-grade pieces usually show attractive, satiny luster.

Prooflike Coins: Among Mint State coins, many are prooflike or partially so, with decent contrast.

Mintage and Distribution: Delivery figures by month: January, 200,000; February, 100,000; March, 0; April, 100,000; May, 50,000; June–December, 0. Probably 100,000 or more were placed into circulation in or near the year of mintage. Some went into storage. I have heard suggestions that from several dozen to a couple hundred Mint State coins came out of the Treasury Building in the early 1950’s, but how they would grade today is anybody’s guess. Uncirculated coins of years ago are often classified as AU today. I have found no account or even a rumor of any being a part of the 1962 through 1964 Treasury release.

Several die varieties are known from five pairs of dies. None shows dramatic differences.