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The 1879-CC Morgan Silver Dollar, certified MS60 by NGC and attributed as VAM-3 “Capped Die,” is a coin of considerable interest to numismatists due to its rarity, connection to the storied Carson City Mint, and its classification as a Top 100 VAM variety. The Morgan Dollar series, introduced in 1878 and struck through 1921, is one of the most widely collected U.S. coin series, and issues from the Carson City Mint are especially coveted. The 1879-CC issue stands out among them as one of the scarcest and most enigmatic entries in the entire series, with multiple varieties including the Capped Die, which has generated significant attention from collectors focused on VAMs—die varieties cataloged by Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis.
The history of the 1879-CC Morgan Dollar is rooted in the political and economic pressures of the late 19th century, specifically the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase large quantities of silver to be coined into dollars. The Carson City Mint, located in Nevada and close to the silver mines of the Comstock Lode, played a key role in this process. However, by 1879, the mint was operating on a reduced scale and would soon face a temporary closure. As a result, the 1879-CC Morgan Dollar had a very limited mintage, with only 756,000 coins struck, making it one of the lowest-mintage issues in the Morgan series. This scarcity, combined with its famous mintmark and variety designations, ensures its place among the most sought-after Morgan Dollars.
The obverse design of the Morgan Dollar was created by George T. Morgan, a British-born engraver who brought a fresh artistic sensibility to the U.S. Mint. The portrait of Liberty is striking and neoclassical, with a Phrygian cap and a headband inscribed with “LIBERTY.” Thirteen stars and the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” circle the design along with the date “1879” at the base. The reverse features a powerful eagle with wings outstretched, clutching an olive branch and arrows, encircled by the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “ONE DOLLAR,” and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The “CC” mintmark beneath the wreath on the reverse indicates its origin at the Carson City Mint, a detail that makes this coin especially desirable to collectors of western U.S. coinage and GSA hoard artifacts.
The VAM-3 Capped Die variety is particularly famous among die variety specialists. It earned its nickname due to a distinctive die defect on the reverse, where part of the mintmark appears to have been damaged or filled, resulting in a partially obscured or "capped" appearance. This flaw was caused by a partially filled or lapped die, possibly the result of improper die preparation. The “capped CC” gives the mintmark a nearly ghostlike, covered look, which is easy to spot with magnification and sometimes even visible to the naked eye. Its classification as a Top 100 VAM stems from its significant visual distinction and its role in expanding understanding of die production and minting practices in the 19th century.
The Top 100 VAM list, created to highlight the most important and collectible Morgan and Peace Dollar varieties, gives this particular die pairing a heightened desirability. VAM-3 is not just a curiosity—it is a well-recognized variety with strong demand, especially in certified Mint State grades. Most 1879-CC Morgan Dollars are found in lower circulated grades, and those certified at MS60 or above are significantly less common. The combination of being a Carson City issue, a low-mintage coin, a recognized Top 100 VAM, and a Mint State example dramatically increases the desirability and value of this coin in the collector market.
Coins graded MS60 represent the lower threshold of Mint State condition but remain uncirculated. An MS60 1879-CC VAM-3 will have full detail as struck, though it may exhibit numerous contact marks, bag abrasions, and hairlines from storage and handling. Luster will be present, though likely subdued and uneven. The eye appeal may be average or below average for a Mint State coin, but it is significantly more appealing than a circulated specimen, especially given the rarity of this date and variety in any Mint State grade. Collectors value MS60 examples of rare dates like the 1879-CC more for their uncirculated status and scarcity than for visual perfection.
The NGC certification further enhances this coin’s credibility and desirability. NGC is one of the leading third-party grading services and its encapsulation provides confidence to collectors and investors regarding the coin’s authenticity, grade, and attribution. The clear labeling of the VAM-3 variety ensures it will be properly recognized in the marketplace and included in specialized collections focused on Top 100 VAMs. Collectors often seek third-party certification when acquiring key dates and varieties, particularly when evaluating rare Mint State coins with specific die attributes like this one.
While 756,000 coins were originally minted in 1879 at the Carson City Mint, far fewer have survived in collectible condition. Many were melted down or lost to time, and the survival rate of uncirculated coins is notably low. The exact number of VAM-3 examples is not known, but they make up a minority within the 1879-CC population. The rarity of Mint State coins—combined with the already limited population of the VAM-3 die pairing—means that certified MS60 specimens are seldom encountered and highly prized when available. This rarity drives sustained interest and strong premiums in both dealer inventories and auction settings.
Collectors of Morgan Dollars often build type sets or complete CC-mint runs, and the 1879-CC represents one of the most formidable hurdles. Its VAM-3 variety adds another level of challenge and intrigue, making it a centerpiece in both Morgan Dollar and die-variety collections. The Carson City connection, the 19th-century minting quirks, and the aesthetic appeal of George T. Morgan’s design ensure that this coin occupies a place of prestige and fascination among numismatists. Whether part of a VAM registry, a Carson City type set, or a comprehensive Morgan Dollar collection, this coin commands attention and respect.
The 1879-CC Morgan Silver Dollar VAM-3 Capped Die, certified MS60 by NGC, encapsulates the rich complexity of American numismatics. Its modest Mint State designation still places it well above the vast majority of surviving examples, and its variety status ensures it will be pursued by collectors with a discerning eye for detail and a passion for die diagnostics. It tells a story of a frontier mint struggling to keep pace with national production needs while leaving behind a legacy of uniquely identifiable coins. For the collector or investor, this coin is not only a valuable asset but a tangible relic of an era when minting was as much an art as it was a science.