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The Certified 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar in XF Details by PCGS represents one of the rarest and most sought-after issues in the entire Morgan dollar series. Struck at the historic Carson City Mint in Nevada, the 1889-CC is a legendary coin among collectors, known for its extreme scarcity in all grades and its status as a key date in the series. While this particular example has been assigned an "XF Details" designation by PCGS—indicating a coin with moderate wear but also some form of impairment or cleaning—its rarity and historical significance still command strong collector interest and value. It stands as an essential piece for those assembling a complete Morgan dollar set or anyone drawn to the lore of the American frontier mints.
The Morgan Dollar series, designed by George T. Morgan, began in 1878 and ran through 1904, with a final revival strike in 1921. Named after its designer, the Morgan dollar became the iconic silver dollar of the late 19th century, symbolizing both America’s industrial strength and the immense output of silver from the western mines. Among the various mints that struck Morgan dollars—Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, Denver (1921 only), and Carson City—the Carson City Mint issues have always been especially prized due to their relatively low mintages and rich Wild West associations. The 1889-CC issue is particularly notable because it marks the lowest mintage of all Carson City Morgans.
The obverse of the 1889-CC Morgan Dollar features a left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap, adorned with wheat and cotton to symbolize America’s agricultural heritage. The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed on her headband, with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above and the date “1889” below. In XF (Extremely Fine) Details condition, the high points of Liberty’s cheek and hair will show moderate wear, but the major design elements remain strong and clearly defined. The coin will still have some luster in protected areas, though it may show signs of past cleaning, environmental damage, or another detail-level issue noted by PCGS.
The reverse design depicts a heraldic eagle with wings outstretched, clutching arrows and an olive branch, with a wreath encircling its lower half. Above the eagle is the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” in Gothic script, and around the rim are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR.” The “CC” mintmark, placed just below the wreath near the bottom of the design, is one of the most coveted features in all of American numismatics. In XF Details condition, feather detail in the wings and breast will be worn but discernible, and all legends and devices will be bold and readable.
The Carson City Mint, active from 1870 to 1893, played a vital role in coining silver from the nearby Comstock Lode and other Nevada mines. However, in 1886, operations were suspended, and the mint remained idle until its reactivation in 1889—just long enough to strike a small number of Morgan dollars before shutting down again until 1890. Only 350,000 Morgan dollars were struck at Carson City in 1889, and the vast majority were melted under the terms of the 1918 Pittman Act, which called for the conversion of silver dollars back into bullion for recoinage. The low original mintage, combined with the mass melting and heavy use in circulation, makes surviving examples extraordinarily rare.
Even in lower circulated grades, the 1889-CC commands a premium due to its rarity and historic appeal. Examples in Fine or Very Fine grades are in high demand, and coins grading XF or better are increasingly difficult to locate. Uncirculated examples are considered major numismatic trophies, often selling for tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the grade and eye appeal. An XF Details coin like this one occupies a more accessible price point while still offering collectors a genuine piece of numismatic history and a crucial key-date Morgan dollar from the most romanticized U.S. Mint.
PCGS’s “Details” designation indicates that while the coin meets the criteria for an XF grade in terms of wear and sharpness, it has been impaired in some way—most commonly from cleaning, environmental damage, or damage that precludes straight grading. Cleaning, a common practice in earlier decades, can cause unnatural brightness or hairline scratches, which PCGS will note without assigning a numerical grade. Despite this, the coin remains authenticated and certified, ensuring its legitimacy and preserving its value within the marketplace, particularly for collectors who prioritize key dates over perfection.
From a market perspective, the 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar remains one of the most valuable and liquid coins in the Morgan series. Even detail-grade examples like this one routinely sell for thousands of dollars. Their value is driven not only by the scarcity of surviving pieces but also by their deep historical roots in the American West. Collectors who acquire detail-grade coins often do so to complete their Carson City Morgan sets or to hold the coin as a tangible asset with enduring rarity and cultural value. Many are willing to accept minor impairments in exchange for affordability and authenticity.
Visually, an XF Details 1889-CC Morgan Dollar can still be highly attractive. The fields will show even wear but may retain decent luster in protected areas. The coin will have strong overall definition in Liberty’s hair, the cotton and wheat elements, and eagle feathers, especially in the wings and wreath. Any issues such as cleaning or past polishing will be accounted for in PCGS’s encapsulation, and the coin remains preserved in a secure, tamper-evident holder that confirms its authenticity and assigns it a consistent market value based on its detail grade.
The Certified 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar XF Details PCGS is more than just a collectible coin—it’s a cornerstone of American numismatics. With its low mintage, Old West heritage, and status as a key date in the most popular U.S. silver dollar series, it has earned a legendary reputation. Though not problem-free, this certified example allows collectors to own an iconic rarity at a more approachable level, while still enjoying the story, design, and historical depth that have made the 1889-CC one of the most cherished and talked-about coins ever struck in the United States.