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The Certified 1881-CC Morgan Silver Dollar in MS63 condition, housed in its original GSA (General Services Administration) holder and graded by PCGS, is a prime example of one of the most coveted coins in American numismatics. Struck at the legendary Carson City Mint, this coin offers a unique convergence of historical significance, striking quality, and collectible prestige. As part of the GSA hoard—an extraordinary cache of millions of uncirculated silver dollars discovered and released by the U.S. government in the 1970s—the 1881-CC GSA Morgan is a standout, with the PCGS certification further confirming its uncirculated status and grade.
The obverse of the coin features George T. Morgan’s famous Liberty Head design. Liberty is portrayed in profile facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed with “LIBERTY,” and adorned with agricultural symbols like cotton and wheat, reflecting American industry and bounty. Above her is the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” while thirteen stars line the rim below, representing the original colonies. The date “1881” appears at the bottom center. In MS63 condition, Liberty’s cheek and jaw show only minor contact marks, and the fields retain strong, attractive luster, often with the original frosty or satiny mint finish preserved due to decades of secure storage in government vaults.
The reverse depicts a heraldic eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing both strength and peace. A laurel wreath surrounds the eagle, and the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR” encircle the edge. Above the eagle is the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The key detail is the “CC” mintmark beneath the wreath, signifying the Carson City Mint—a relatively short-lived facility that produced coins from 1870 to 1893 and has since become a legend in American coinage history. On this MS63 specimen, the eagle’s feathers are well-struck and show considerable detail, with light abrasions typical of the grade but no heavy or distracting marks.
The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, with a standard Morgan Dollar weight of 26.73 grams and a diameter of 38.1 millimeters. The silver content totals 0.77344 troy ounces. The coin has a reeded edge and was struck using high-pressure presses that allowed for detailed and often bold impressions, particularly from the Carson City Mint, which was known for quality strikes.
The mintage of the 1881-CC Morgan Dollar was 296,000 coins, making it one of the lower-mintage issues in the entire Morgan Dollar series. However, a significant portion of these coins survived in uncirculated condition due to being stored in Treasury vaults and later distributed in the GSA sales of the 1970s. The GSA hoard included thousands of 1881-CC dollars, many of which were preserved in pristine condition, often untouched for nearly a century. Coins retained in their original GSA holders with PCGS grading bring an added level of desirability and assurance to collectors and investors alike.
The GSA holder itself is a black plastic case with a clear window, prominently displaying the coin and labeling it as a “Carson City Uncirculated Silver Dollar.” The original government-issued box and certificate of authenticity (COA) are considered valuable accompaniments to the coin, enhancing both its collectibility and value. When PCGS certifies a GSA Morgan Dollar, it typically uses a tamper-evident label placed on the slab or designates the original GSA holder in its database, maintaining the integrity and history of the coin's provenance.
MS63 is a Mint State grade that offers a pleasing combination of sharp detail, luster, and moderate contact marks that are typically limited to the fields or focal areas such as Liberty’s cheek or the eagle’s breast. The coin remains visually attractive with full mint brilliance or original toning, depending on storage conditions. For many collectors, MS63 represents the ideal balance of affordability and eye appeal, offering an uncirculated coin with minimal compromises in quality without the steep price increases seen in MS64 and MS65 grades.
The Carson City Mint’s iconic “CC” mintmark is among the most beloved features in U.S. numismatics. Coins from this mint carry a mystique tied to the Old West, the Comstock Lode, and a rugged period of American history. As a result, any Morgan Dollar bearing the CC mintmark holds strong demand, and the 1881-CC is particularly well-represented due to the GSA releases, making it a perfect entry point for those building a Carson City set or seeking a certified GSA coin with historical depth and strong visual appeal.
The coin's certification by PCGS adds additional confidence to its purchase, ensuring not only that the coin is genuine and uncirculated but also that it meets the standards for the MS63 grade. PCGS-graded GSA dollars are widely respected in the numismatic community and often trade at a premium compared to uncertified or raw coins, especially when still sealed in their original government holders. This dual provenance—U.S. government hoard and third-party authentication—gives the 1881-CC GSA Morgan a unique position in the market.
In summary, the Certified 1881-CC Morgan Silver Dollar MS63 GSA PCGS is a historic, well-struck, and highly collectible coin. With its low original mintage, strong strike quality, Mint State preservation, and documented government hoard origin, it represents both a piece of Wild West history and a tangible artifact from the U.S. Treasury's vaults. Whether purchased for investment, type set completion, or as a showcase piece in a Carson City-themed collection, it offers lasting appeal and historical significance.