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The 1878-CC Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most cherished and historically significant coins in the Morgan Dollar series, representing not only the inaugural year of the series but also one of the earliest contributions from the Carson City Mint. This specific example, certified AU58 by PCGS, is especially prized due to its near-Mint State preservation and its association with one of the most legendary mints in American numismatics. The coin holds a revered place among collectors who value the combination of rarity, aesthetic appeal, and frontier history that the Carson City Mint uniquely conveys. As the first Carson City issue of the Morgan series, the 1878-CC marks the beginning of a short yet memorable run of coins that continue to capture the fascination of the numismatic community more than a century after their production.
The Morgan Dollar was designed by George T. Morgan, a British engraver who joined the U.S. Mint in the 1870s. His design quickly became an icon of American coinage. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with cotton and wheat—symbols of agricultural prosperity. Around the periphery are the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and the date “1878,” with thirteen stars flanking Liberty’s profile. The reverse showcases a powerful image of an eagle with outstretched wings, grasping arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing the nation’s readiness for war and desire for peace. The eagle is encircled by the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR,” and the denomination is anchored below. Just above the “DO” in “DOLLAR” appears the “CC” mintmark, denoting the Carson City Mint—an enduring symbol of 19th-century American expansion and coinage legacy.
Minted during the inaugural year of Morgan Dollar production, the 1878-CC issue had a total mintage of 2,212,000 coins. While this figure is not extremely low compared to some later Carson City issues, the 1878-CC remains a semi-key date due to its first-year-of-issue status and strong demand from collectors. Many of these coins entered heavy circulation throughout the Western states, where the Carson City Mint primarily distributed coinage. As a result, the majority of surviving examples show significant wear, and well-preserved specimens, especially those approaching Mint State, are relatively scarce. The allure of a coin minted in the storied halls of Carson City—a frontier mint operating in the rugged Nevada desert during the height of the silver boom—adds immeasurable appeal to collectors and historians alike.
The AU58 grade, as certified by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), places this coin just one point below Mint State. “AU” stands for “About Uncirculated,” and a grade of 58 is the highest in this category, indicating a coin that exhibits only the slightest signs of circulation. In fact, AU58 coins often have nearly full luster, strong strikes, and overall appearance that can rival some lower-end Mint State coins. The primary difference is often subtle friction on the highest points of the design, such as Liberty’s cheek or the eagle’s breast. This makes AU58 coins highly desirable for collectors seeking the visual beauty of an uncirculated coin at a more accessible price point than MS60 or higher examples.
Coins graded AU58 by PCGS are carefully scrutinized for their strike quality, luster, and surface preservation. This particular 1878-CC Morgan Dollar is expected to retain excellent detail in both Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers, with a soft, original luster that highlights its devices. Slight wear may be noted on the cheek or wing tips but should be minimal and evenly distributed. The coin should display a clean overall surface with few if any contact marks, and any toning present is typically light and appealing. The eye appeal of a PCGS AU58 coin often rivals that of a Mint State piece, especially when the coin is free of distracting blemishes or discoloration.
In terms of strike, the 1878-CC Morgan is generally known for strong production quality. Carson City Mint coins often exhibit full and sharp details, a testament to the mint’s attention to precision even during the rapid expansion of silver dollar production mandated by the Bland-Allison Act of 1878. That legislation required the Treasury to purchase and coin large amounts of silver, largely benefiting western mining interests and resulting in the Morgan Dollar’s creation. The 1878-CC is emblematic of that era, struck from freshly prepared dies and often showing more care in execution than some later high-volume years. In AU58 condition, collectors can expect an especially bold strike, particularly in the hair above Liberty’s forehead and in the breast feathers of the eagle.
The Carson City Mint operated intermittently from 1870 to 1893 and produced coinage in relatively limited quantities. Coins bearing the “CC” mintmark are especially revered because of their historical association with the Comstock Lode and the American West. The mint itself was a modest yet essential part of the U.S. Mint system, serving the booming mining economy in Nevada. Its small production output compared to Philadelphia or New Orleans made Carson City issues inherently more collectible. The 1878-CC, being the first Morgan Dollar from that mint, adds further historical weight to an already important coin. Collectors of Morgan Dollars often prioritize Carson City pieces for their romantic connection to America’s frontier era.
The PCGS encapsulation adds a layer of security, preservation, and market confidence to this 1878-CC Morgan Dollar. As one of the most respected coin grading organizations, PCGS is renowned for its rigorous standards and market acceptance. A coin in an AU58 PCGS holder not only guarantees authenticity and grade but also enjoys a liquidity premium in the numismatic marketplace. For many collectors, acquiring a PCGS AU58 example of the 1878-CC represents an ideal blend of condition, value, and prestige—particularly when Mint State examples command significantly higher prices.
In conclusion, the Certified 1878-CC Morgan Silver Dollar in AU58 condition, graded by PCGS, stands as a nearly uncirculated treasure from one of the most legendary mints in American history. It is a coin rich in historical narrative, beautifully executed, and preserved with minimal wear—providing collectors with a near-Mint State experience at a more accessible level. Its first-year status, Carson City pedigree, and enduring popularity within the Morgan Dollar series ensure that it will remain a cornerstone in any serious numismatic collection. Whether appreciated for its striking design, historical context, or near-pristine preservation, this AU58 example continues to tell the story of American coinage in the era of silver and the American West.