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The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1883-CC MS64PL PCGS is an exceptional Mint State specimen from one of the most iconic and desirable mints in American numismatics. Graded MS64PL by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), this coin combines high-end preservation with striking eye appeal and prooflike surface quality. The “PL” designation, or “Prooflike,” denotes that the coin was struck from freshly polished dies, giving it mirrored fields that closely resemble those of proof coins despite being a regular business strike. The presence of the “CC” mintmark—representing the historic Carson City Mint—further elevates this coin’s appeal, especially in such a desirable condition.
The obverse showcases George T. Morgan’s famed portrait of Lady Liberty facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap with “LIBERTY” inscribed across the band. Her hair is interwoven with cotton and wheat, representing the agricultural strength of the United States. Surrounding her are thirteen stars, the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and the date “1883.” In MS64 condition, Liberty’s cheek is smooth and lustrous with only minimal contact marks visible under magnification, and the design elements are sharply struck. The PL designation is evident in the deeply mirrored fields, which contrast sharply with the frosted central devices, creating an elegant cameo-like effect.
The reverse features a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings clutching arrows and an olive branch in its talons, symbolizing both military preparedness and peace. The eagle is framed by the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR,” with the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appearing above in Gothic script. The “CC” mintmark below the wreath confirms the coin’s origin at the Carson City Mint. This reverse displays strong relief and shimmering frost on the eagle’s breast and wings, further enhanced by the mirrored prooflike fields. In MS64PL condition, only a few scattered ticks may be seen on the fields under close inspection, but the coin maintains exceptional visual clarity and quality.
The 1883-CC Morgan Dollar is struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, weighs 26.73 grams, and has a diameter of 38.1 millimeters. It contains 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver. A total of 1,204,000 Morgan dollars were struck at the Carson City Mint in 1883, and many of these coins were preserved in Treasury vaults for decades before being released to the public in the 1960s and 1970s through the GSA (General Services Administration) sales. As a result, many 1883-CC Morgan dollars have survived in Mint State, though significantly fewer display the reflective, prooflike surfaces required for the PL designation—especially in near-gem condition like MS64PL.
PCGS’s MS64 grade confirms that the coin is fully uncirculated, with above-average luster, excellent strike detail, and only minor contact marks that do not detract from its overall appeal. The added PL designation makes this coin especially desirable, as only early die-state strikes possess the deeply mirrored fields required to achieve prooflike status. MS64PL coins strike a perfect balance between superior quality and affordability, offering much of the brilliance of a gem coin at a more accessible price point. The combination of Carson City origin and prooflike surfaces places this coin among the most eye-catching and collectible Morgan dollars of the 1880s.
Visually, the 1883-CC MS64PL Morgan Silver Dollar is impressive and dynamic. The mirrored fields create a glassy, deep reflectivity that contrasts beautifully with the frosted appearance of Liberty and the eagle. These cameo-like effects are often reminiscent of proof coins, making PL-designated business strikes especially popular among collectors. The cartwheel luster typical of Morgan dollars remains intact, though more subdued due to the reflective surfaces, and the coin’s overall balance between flash and detail ensures it stands out in any collection or display case.
Historically, the Carson City Mint holds a special place in U.S. coinage. Located near the Comstock Lode in Nevada, it operated from 1870 to 1893 and struck relatively small quantities of silver and gold coins, all of which now enjoy considerable collector interest due to their low mintages and storied Western heritage. The 1883-CC Morgan Dollar reflects a period of peak production at the mint and was struck with high-quality dies that occasionally yielded prooflike results. These coins were often stored in U.S. Treasury vaults and later distributed via the GSA hoard, which has since become legendary among collectors.
The PL designation for Morgan dollars is not especially common and makes up only a small percentage of any given date’s certified population. PCGS and NGC assign this designation only when the fields exhibit at least two to four inches of mirrored reflectivity, confirmed under strict lighting conditions.