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The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1880-CC Reverse of 1878 & Clashed Die MS64 NGC VAM-7A is a striking and highly collectible Mint State example from one of the most desirable mints in American coinage history. Graded MS64 by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company), this coin offers exceptional preservation, vibrant luster, and bold die characteristics that make it a standout piece for both Morgan dollar specialists and general numismatists. It belongs to the VAM-7A die variety, recognized for combining the earlier “Reverse of 1878” die style with prominent die clash marks—an error where the dies strike each other without a planchet in place, leaving mirror-image design impressions on opposing dies. The Carson City origin, high grade, and variety make this coin a trophy of the series.
The obverse features George T. Morgan’s iconic portrait of Liberty, facing left and adorned with a Phrygian cap encircled by a band inscribed “LIBERTY,” with stalks of cotton and wheat woven into her hair. The legend “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arches above the portrait, with thirteen stars and the date “1880” surrounding the lower rim. In this MS64 example, Liberty’s facial features, hair strands, and cap details are sharply struck, with brilliant mint luster and a clean field showcasing only the faintest contact marks. Most notably, this VAM-7A coin exhibits strong die clash marks, with visible remnants of the reverse lettering or design elements impressed into the obverse—particularly around Liberty’s neck and cap area—confirming a clear die clash event.
The reverse displays a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, grasping arrows and an olive branch, encircled by the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR,” with the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” in Gothic script above. The “CC” mintmark appears below the wreath and is bold and well-struck. This coin was struck using the “Reverse of 1878” die style, distinguishable by the flat eagle breast and parallel top arrow feather. These reverse traits were carried over from earlier dies and are key identifiers in several important 1880-CC VAM varieties. On this MS64 coin, the eagle’s feathers, wreath, and all lettering are well-defined and exhibit full mint frost, with strong luster and minimal abrasions typical of the grade.
Struck at the Carson City Mint, this coin contains 90% silver and 10% copper, with a weight of 26.73 grams and a diameter of 38.1 millimeters. It holds 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver. The 1880-CC Morgan dollar was produced in a total mintage of 495,000 coins, though that total includes several distinct die varieties. The VAM-7A “Clashed Dies” and “Reverse of 1878” combination is one of the most dramatic and collectible of these, cataloged in the VAM (Van Allen–Mallis) reference system and widely recognized by variety collectors and silver dollar specialists for its distinctive diagnostics and visual appeal.
The MS64 grade assigned by NGC certifies that this coin is fully uncirculated, with crisp detail and strong original luster. It permits only minor contact marks, none of which detract significantly from the overall presentation. This is a high-end collector grade, especially for a coin from the Carson City Mint and from a popular VAM designation. With the added die clash features and Reverse of 1878 design, this example provides far more character and depth than a typical Morgan dollar of the same grade. MS64 is often considered the threshold of premium Mint State coins before entering gem territory, offering an ideal balance of visual quality and affordability for many collectors.
Visually, this coin is highly appealing. The surfaces exhibit satiny or semi-prooflike luster, depending on the strike, with light cartwheel effect when rotated under light. The die clash marks are a fascinating and defining element of the variety, with the transfer of design elements (like parts of the eagle’s wings or lettering) from the reverse to the obverse and vice versa. These clashes create ghostly impressions in the fields and often appear around Liberty’s neck and chin or behind her hair curls, adding layers of interest to an already beautiful design. In this MS64 example, those marks are crisp and immediately noticeable—making it a true collector’s piece.
Historically, the 1880-CC Morgan dollar reflects the important and often chaotic silver coinage policies of the late 19th century. Under the Bland-Allison Act, the U.S. Mint was required to purchase and coin large quantities of silver each month, leading to rushed production schedules and frequent die anomalies. The Carson City Mint, operating with limited staff and resources, often reused older dies or failed to retire worn ones, leading to the creation of varieties such as the Reverse of 1878 in 1880 coinage. Die clashing events were common during this time due to misfeeds or lack of planchet placement, especially at branch mints like Carson City.
The VAM-7A variety is prized not only for its reverse and clash features but also for its direct connection to Carson City’s rugged minting history. The “CC” mintmark has long held mystique among collectors due to its frontier legacy and low mintages. Few coins encapsulate this spirit as clearly as the 1880-CC with Reverse of 1878 and clash marks—each element telling part of the story of how silver flowed from the Comstock Lode into coinage that would circulate, be stored in Treasury vaults, or eventually survive to become prized collectibles.
Today, the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1880-CC Reverse of 1878 & Clash MS64 NGC VAM-7A is a premium selection for collectors seeking high-grade Carson City coins, dramatic die varieties, or specific VAM types. Its combination of condition, rarity, and distinctive visual diagnostics ensures a lasting place in any advanced Morgan dollar collection. Whether part of a full VAM registry set, a CC-mint type set, or as a standout piece in a cabinet of 19th-century silver, this MS64 VAM-7A offers historical depth, artistic beauty, and collector prestige in equal measure.