This particular United States coin, struck at the New Orleans Mint in 1896, is a valuable and sought-after piece of American numismatic history. It is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, adhering to the standard composition for coins of its type and era. Its design features Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse, a common motif for silver coinage of the time. The “O” mint mark indicates its origin at the New Orleans Mint, distinguishing it from examples produced at other mints like Philadelphia, Carson City, or San Francisco.
This specific coin’s importance stems from several factors, including its relative scarcity compared to other years and mints in the series. Mint state examples, in particular, command significant premiums due to their condition and the limited number that have survived in pristine condition. Furthermore, the New Orleans Mint had a history of variable striking quality, impacting the eye appeal and overall value of the surviving coins. This creates a high demand from collectors seeking high-grade specimens for their collections and the historical context of being minted in a pivotal era of American expansion and industrialization.
