1901-O $1 MS DMPL

Key to Collecting: The 1901-O dollar is typical for a New Orleans product—quality varies all over the place, and if you were to be blindfolded and pick one from a pile, chances are it would be a poor strike and with many bagmarks, although the luster might be decent, sort of satiny. Dollars of 1901-O were released in immense quantities in the early 1960’s, and because of this you will have ample opportunity to choose. It is easy to forget—or not to know in the first place—how lucky we are to have so many O Mint dollars available in Mint State today—a couple of generations ago, most were rarities in Mint State.

Surface Quality: Most are below average or average, with sharp pieces being the distinct minority. However, with some searching a decent strike can be found. The luster is generally satiny and quite attractive.

Prooflike Coins: Prooflike coins are known and do not have great contrast.

Mintage and Distribution: Delivery figures by month: January, 1,500,000; February, 620,000; March, 1,100,000; April, 1,550,000; May, 1,500,000; June, 1,100,000; July, 800,000; August, 200,000; September, 1,550,000; October, 1,000,000; November, 900,000; December, 1,500,000. Until about the 1930’s an Uncirculated 1901-O in the hands of a numismatist was a rare situation. Then, bags began to filter into the market, accented by an especially large release in 1953, after which time they were truly plentiful. In the 1962 surprise distribution from a long-sealed vault at the Philadelphia Mint, bags of this date played a just-below-the-headlines role.

Many varieties exist, some from the old hub, some with new hub (introduced in 1900), and still others with new hub over old hub, and with some slight features of the undertype visible; check VAM for details.