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The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1879-CC Capped CC VF20 VAM-3 is a rare and highly sought-after variety from the early years of Morgan dollar production, offering both significant historical interest and numismatic intrigue. Graded VF20 (Very Fine) by a recognized third-party grading service, this example has moderate circulation wear but retains all major design elements with clarity. What elevates this coin further is the presence of the distinctive “Capped CC” mintmark—a diagnostic hallmark of the VAM-3 variety—indicating that the Carson City Mintmark was partially overpunched and then crudely corrected, creating one of the most fascinating anomalies in the Morgan dollar series. As a mid-grade survivor, this 1879-CC Capped CC VAM-3 provides collectors with an accessible yet meaningful entry into one of the series’ rarest issues.
The obverse features George T. Morgan’s renowned profile of Liberty, facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with cotton and wheat, symbolizing unity and agricultural prosperity. The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed across the headband, with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above and the date “1879” below, flanked by thirteen stars. In VF20 condition, Liberty’s portrait shows moderate wear, particularly on the highest points such as the cheek and hairline, but the details of the cap, curls, and facial features remain fully visible. The stars and legend are bold and readable, and the fields are free of major damage, giving the coin solid mid-grade eye appeal.
The reverse displays a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows and an olive branch in its talons, encircled by the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR.” The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears in Gothic script above the eagle’s head. The focal point of this variety is the unique “Capped CC” mintmark, located just below the wreath. On VAM-3 coins, the “CC” was partially obscured by a large blob of metal, most likely the result of an attempted re-engraving or overpolishing error, which created the appearance that the mintmark had been intentionally “capped.” In VF20 condition, the Capped CC remains clearly visible under magnification, and the overall reverse design shows even wear consistent with its assigned grade.
Struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, the 1879-CC Morgan Dollar weighs 26.73 grams and has a diameter of 38.1 millimeters. It contains 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver. Morgan dollars were produced under the Bland-Allison Act, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase large quantities of silver and coin it into dollars. The Carson City Mint, situated in Nevada, was a relatively small operation focused primarily on converting local silver into coinage. As a result, production quantities from Carson City were often significantly lower than from Philadelphia, New Orleans, or San Francisco. The 1879-CC is a notable case, with a low mintage and multiple identifiable die varieties.
The total mintage for the 1879-CC Morgan Dollar was just 756,000 coins, already placing it among the lower mintage issues in the series. Of these, only a small fraction exhibit the Capped CC variety. VAM-3, which is defined by the capped mintmark and subtle obverse doubling, is particularly scarce and has long been of special interest to Morgan variety specialists. Many of the 1879-CC coins were melted under the Pittman Act of 1918, further reducing the number of survivors. Mid-grade examples like this VF20 are especially valued for maintaining both the diagnostic traits and historical character of this elusive coin without reaching the often-prohibitive cost of high-grade specimens.
The VF20 grade indicates a coin with moderate even wear across all high points but strong remaining detail in both the portrait and the eagle. Liberty’s facial profile and the eagle’s wings are clearly distinguishable, though flattened from circulation. All major inscriptions remain sharp, and the surfaces are smooth with no major flaws, holes, or environmental damage. For a coin that is nearly 150 years old, the VF20 grade reflects a piece that was actively used but preserved with care. The VAM-3 attribution confirms that the mintmark anomaly is genuine and adds a significant premium to the coin’s appeal and value.
Visually, the coin presents well in hand and in its encapsulated holder. The silver surface has likely developed a soft, natural patina from age and circulation, with gentle gray or light charcoal toning across the devices and fields. This honest, aged appearance enhances the coin’s antique charm and reinforces its authenticity as an original survivor of frontier-era minting. The distinctive “Capped CC” mintmark remains a conversation piece and immediately sets this coin apart from typical Morgan dollars of the same date and grade.
Historically, the 1879-CC was struck during a transitional time for the Carson City Mint, which was under political pressure and saw reduced operations after 1878. In 1879, the facility struck a very limited number of dollars, and many were held back in Treasury storage or released in small quantities. The discovery of the Capped CC mintmark variety added another layer of intrigue to an already low-mintage year. The Capped CC is emblematic of the mint’s sometimes crude die preparation techniques and has become one of the most sought-after VAM varieties among Morgan dollar collectors.
Today, the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1879-CC Capped CC VF20 VAM-3 holds a special place in the numismatic market as both a rare date and a dramatic die variety. It appeals to a wide range of collectors—from those building complete Carson City sets, to VAM specialists, to enthusiasts of U.S. Mint history and 19th-century silver coinage. The coin’s certification by a trusted grading service ensures authenticity and transparency, while the VF20 grade provides strong detail at a manageable price point. For anyone looking to add a storied and visually distinctive Morgan dollar to their collection, this 1879-CC Capped CC is a compelling and historically rich selection.