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The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1879-CC Capped CC VF Details VAM-3 is a rare and historically captivating example of early Morgan dollar production, bearing both the iconic Carson City “CC” mintmark and one of the most well-known die varieties in the entire series. Graded "VF Details" by a reputable third-party grading service, this coin has the detail level of a Very Fine coin—showing moderate wear with strong central design elements—yet has been assigned a “details” designation due to an issue such as cleaning, surface alteration, or environmental damage. Nevertheless, this VAM-3 variety remains a prized collectible for its bold Capped CC mintmark and its link to one of the lowest-mintage Morgan dollar issues ever produced.
The obverse features George T. Morgan’s revered design of Liberty facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap encircled with a band marked “LIBERTY,” along with wheat and cotton woven into her hair—symbols of American unity and agricultural strength. Thirteen stars arch around the lower rim, the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” runs along the top, and the date “1879” anchors the design below. In VF details condition, the portrait retains good contour and visibility despite moderate circulation wear. Liberty’s profile, eye, and cap remain well-defined, although the fields may exhibit signs of cleaning, old scratches, or surface dullness—factors which preclude a straight numeric grade but do not negate the coin’s historical or numismatic value.
The reverse displays the heraldic eagle, wings outstretched, perched atop a bundle of arrows and an olive branch—representing war and peace. The eagle is encircled by the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR,” with the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” in Gothic script above. The standout feature of this coin is the “Capped CC” mintmark, located just beneath the tail feathers. On the VAM-3 variety, the “CC” was partially obscured by a heavy blob of metal—likely the result of repunching or overpolishing of the reverse die—giving the appearance of a cap over the mintmark. In VF details condition, the Capped CC is still clearly visible and well-defined, making this piece especially desirable to VAM collectors and Carson City Mint enthusiasts.
This coin is struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, weighs 26.73 grams, and has a diameter of 38.1 millimeters. Containing 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver, it reflects the composition of all Morgan dollars struck between 1878 and 1921. The 1879-CC Morgan Dollar was produced at the Carson City Mint in Nevada, a branch mint opened in response to the discovery of the Comstock Lode. Only 756,000 Morgan dollars were minted in Carson City that year, and fewer still feature the Capped CC mintmark, making this VAM-3 variety especially scarce. Many coins from this issue were melted under the 1918 Pittman Act, reducing the number of survivors even further and intensifying demand for all grades and conditions.
VAM-3 is a well-documented variety cataloged by Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis, whose work revolutionized Morgan and Peace dollar collecting by identifying and classifying specific die marriages and characteristics. The 1879-CC Capped CC VAM-3 is considered a key die variety due to its dramatic and easily visible mintmark anomaly. It also has considerable historical significance, revealing the challenges faced by the Carson City Mint and the improvisational nature of 19th-century die preparation and use. The capped mintmark is believed to have resulted from a faulty initial punching, later covered over by an attempted re-engraving or die repair effort.
The "VF Details" grade indicates that the coin exhibits approximately the same level of wear as a numerically graded VF20–VF30 coin, meaning moderate circulation with all major design elements clear and easily visible. However, it does not meet all requirements for a straight grade—often due to cleaning, scratches, or light corrosion. Such impairments affect the coin's technical grade but not necessarily its eye appeal or value as a collectible variety. The presence of the full VAM-3 diagnostics and a legible Capped CC mintmark ensures continued desirability even with the details designation, especially for budget-conscious collectors or those assembling a comprehensive VAM set.
Visually, this 1879-CC Morgan Dollar typically displays soft gray-silver color, possibly with light golden or slate undertones. Surfaces may show signs of prior cleaning or subdued luster, and hairlines or spotty toning may be evident under close inspection. Despite the impaired surface quality, the coin retains sharp visual interest, particularly in the obverse portrait and reverse eagle, which remain well-outlined and attractive in VF condition. The irregular mintmark draws immediate attention and distinguishes the piece as a notable and storied variety within the Morgan dollar series.
Historically, the 1879-CC Morgan dollar symbolizes a turbulent time in U.S. coinage policy and Mint operations. The Carson City Mint had resumed operations under tight budgetary constraints and inconsistent equipment, leading to the kinds of errors and idiosyncrasies that today fascinate collectors. The use of defective or reworked dies resulted in remarkable anomalies like the Capped CC, which are now cataloged and passionately pursued in the VAM-collecting community. The relatively low production, combined with the Carson City mystique, further enhances the significance of this coin.
Today, the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1879-CC Capped CC VF Details VAM-3 holds a respected place in the Morgan dollar canon. Its scarcity, dramatic mintmark variety, and enduring appeal as a Carson City product ensure its continued demand among both variety collectors and classic U.S. coin enthusiasts. While not graded numerically, it retains strong educational and historical value and is often used as an entry point into the world of VAM collecting. For those building a Carson City or VAM set on a budget, this coin offers a compelling combination of rarity, character, and tangible links to 19th-century American minting history.