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The 1884-CC Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most iconic and sought-after issues in the entire Morgan Dollar series, due in large part to its Carson City Mint origin and its typically high-quality strike. This particular example, certified MS64 by ANACS, is a premium-grade coin with excellent eye appeal and historical cachet. The “CC” mintmark denotes coinage struck at the famed Carson City Mint, a facility that operated intermittently from 1870 to 1893 and became renowned for producing relatively low-mintage coins tied to the rich silver deposits of the American West. Morgan Dollars bearing the CC mintmark consistently rank among the most popular with collectors, and the 1884-CC issue is no exception, especially when preserved in high Mint State condition like this MS64 example.
Designed by George T. Morgan, the obverse of the 1884-CC Morgan Dollar features a left-facing portrait of Liberty, wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton, symbolizing the agrarian roots of the United States. Encircling Liberty are the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” with thirteen stars and the date “1884” completing the design. The reverse presents a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons—symbols of peace and military readiness. The eagle is surrounded by the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR,” with “IN GOD WE TRUST” prominently displayed above its head. Just below the wreath on the reverse is the “CC” mintmark, identifying the coin as a product of the Carson City Mint.
The 1884-CC Morgan Dollar had a mintage of 1,136,000 coins—a modest figure compared to some other dates in the series. Although not a true key date, the issue has become especially desirable due to its strong ties to the lore of the American frontier and the rich silver veins of Nevada’s Comstock Lode. Many 1884-CC Morgan Dollars remained in Treasury vaults for decades, and thousands were eventually released in the 1960s through the General Services Administration (GSA) sales, often still in original mint-state condition. While this availability somewhat softened the coin’s rarity, it dramatically enhanced its desirability by preserving large numbers of attractive uncirculated examples. Coins like this ANACS MS64 represent the higher echelon of these surviving pieces.
Graded MS64 by ANACS, the third-party grading service known for its accuracy and long-standing reputation, this 1884-CC Morgan Dollar sits just below the Gem category. A Mint State 64 coin will show full, unbroken mint luster, a strong strike, and only a few minor contact marks, typically confined to the fields or less central areas of the design. The coin’s devices—particularly Liberty’s cheek, the cap detail, and the eagle’s feathers—should exhibit sharp definition, especially given the Carson City Mint’s reputation for above-average striking quality. In MS64, this coin offers exceptional visual appeal without commanding the high premium associated with MS65 or higher-grade examples.
Strike quality for 1884-CC Morgans is typically excellent, and this coin should be no exception. The Carson City Mint often struck its coins with fresh dies and slower production speeds, resulting in bold details. Liberty’s hairlines, the cotton bolls and wheat stalks in her cap, and the eagle’s breast and wing feathers are generally well-defined. Coins from this mint and year frequently display frosty luster and a slightly prooflike quality in the fields, which may still be present in this MS64 specimen. The coin may also exhibit subtle peripheral toning—light golden, steel gray, or even pale blues and purples—that collectors often find attractive and original.
The surfaces of an MS64 coin are expected to be very clean overall, with only a few light abrasions visible under close inspection. These marks should not detract from the coin’s strong eye appeal. Coins in this grade may display cartwheel luster that radiates from the center outward, further enhancing their attractiveness. Given that many 1884-CC Morgan Dollars were preserved in U.S. Treasury vaults and later distributed through the GSA sales, it is likely that this ANACS-certified coin has benefitted from long-term storage and has avoided the heavy handling or cleaning that marred many earlier-circulating pieces.
Historically, the 1884-CC Morgan Dollar is an emblem of the late 19th-century American West. The Carson City Mint was built specifically to convert silver from Nevada’s mines into coinage to serve the needs of a rapidly growing regional economy. While the mint’s operations were relatively short-lived, its coins remain an enduring symbol of the era. The 1884-CC stands out as one of the better-preserved Carson City issues, thanks to its inclusion in the GSA hoards. The GSA program made thousands of Carson City Morgans available to collectors and investors, many of them in pristine condition, creating one of the strongest associations between coinage and U.S. government distribution in American numismatic history.
Collectors value the 1884-CC Morgan Dollar not only for its beauty and quality but also for its collectibility as part of a date-and-mintmark Morgan Dollar set. Carson City issues are often the most prized within such sets, and the 1884-CC serves as an excellent representative, especially in MS64. The ANACS certification adds a layer of trust and security, confirming the coin’s authenticity, grade, and preservation. ANACS has long been respected for its conservative grading and was instrumental in authenticating and certifying many of the coins released during the GSA sales. Although this particular coin may or may not be in a GSA holder, its condition suggests it originated from such a hoard.
In conclusion, the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1884-CC MS64 ANACS is a superior example of one of the most popular issues in the Morgan Dollar series. With its low mintage, strong strike, sharp details, and association with the storied Carson City Mint, this coin stands out as a historical and numismatic treasure. Its near-Gem grade offers outstanding quality without reaching into prohibitively expensive territory, making it an excellent acquisition for collectors, investors, or those simply drawn to the legacy of the American West. Backed by the reliability of ANACS certification, this coin represents both tangible beauty and enduring historical significance in a single, captivating silver dollar.