-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 55472
Checkout
.jpg)
The 1891-CC Morgan Silver Dollar certified MS63 by ANACS and attributed as VAM-3 is an exceptional piece from both a historical and numismatic standpoint. The Carson City Mint holds a revered place in American coinage, and coins bearing its “CC” mintmark are widely sought after due to their association with the American West and relatively low mintages. The 1891-CC issue is the final Morgan Dollar struck at the Carson City Mint before its operations were suspended, marking the end of a remarkable era in frontier coinage. The added distinction of the VAM-3 variety, listed among the Top 100 VAMs, adds an additional layer of desirability for collectors interested in die varieties and minting anomalies. When combined with a Mint State 63 designation by ANACS, this coin becomes an important specimen for both VAM specialists and Morgan Dollar collectors alike.
The Morgan Dollar series, designed by George T. Morgan and introduced in 1878, played a central role in the implementation of the Bland-Allison Act, which mandated large-scale silver purchases and coinage by the U.S. Mint. Carson City, established to process Comstock Lode silver, was integral to this policy. The 1891-CC Morgan Dollar reflects the final chapter of Morgan production at this mint before it ceased operations in 1893. With a mintage of 1,618,000 coins, the 1891-CC is not the rarest CC issue by numbers alone, but many examples were heavily circulated or melted, leaving far fewer in Mint State condition today. Certified MS63 examples are relatively scarce and command significant premiums, especially with attribution to a major VAM variety like VAM-3.
The obverse design features a classic left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with a band inscribed “LIBERTY,” a crown of cotton bolls and wheat symbolizing America’s agricultural bounty, and flowing hair cascading over her shoulder. Around the periphery are the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and thirteen stars, with the date “1891” centered below. The reverse bears the iconic image of a heraldic eagle with wings spread, clutching arrows and an olive branch, framed by a laurel wreath. Above the eagle is the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” in Gothic script. The mintmark “CC” appears just below the wreath, a detail that instantly elevates the coin in the eyes of collectors. The bold, high-relief design of the Morgan Dollar coupled with its historical associations has ensured its enduring popularity for over a century.
The VAM-3 designation refers to a specific die marriage cataloged by Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis in their comprehensive system of Morgan and Peace Dollar varieties. VAM-3 for the 1891-CC is known for its distinctive features, including a “Spitting Eagle” reverse where a small die gouge or die break appears in front of the eagle’s beak, resembling spittle. This die gouge is not present on all coins but is easily visible under magnification and adds character and appeal to the coin. The gouge is thought to result from damage or debris on the die during preparation or use, and collectors prize it for its clear visibility and unique appearance among Morgan varieties. Being listed among the Top 100 VAMs—those varieties considered most popular and collectible—ensures that VAM-3 receives sustained attention and demand.
As a certified MS63 example, this 1891-CC Morgan Dollar exhibits the crisp detail expected of a coin that never entered circulation. Liberty’s hairlines and the cotton bolls in her headdress are sharp, and the eagle’s wing feathers and talons on the reverse remain well-defined. The MS63 grade from ANACS reflects a coin with above-average eye appeal for an uncirculated coin, though it may show several contact marks or abrasions from handling and bag storage. Luster is typically present and can range from frosty to semi-prooflike, depending on the individual strike and preservation. Cartwheel luster often remains intact, and some coins may display attractive peripheral toning. The coin’s originality and surface quality are key drivers of its value in this grade range.
ANACS is one of the oldest grading services in the United States and has long maintained a reputation for accurate attribution of VAM varieties. Their certification of the 1891-CC as a VAM-3 ensures confidence in the variety designation, which can be difficult for less experienced collectors to identify unaided. Collectors of Top 100 VAMs especially appreciate having major varieties attributed and slabbed, both for ease of reference and for future resale value. MS63 examples of this particular VAM are collected not just for their condition but for the specific visual intrigue the “Spitting Eagle” brings to the reverse—a unique feature that transforms a standard Morgan Dollar into a coin with distinct personality and added collector cachet.
The 1891-CC Morgan Dollar also holds historical significance beyond its mintmark and variety status. The closure of the Carson City Mint in 1893 marked the end of an important chapter in American coin production tied to the expansion of the West and the mining economy. Carson City’s coins are often seen as symbols of this rugged, gold-and-silver-fueled frontier period. The 1891-CC thus represents not only the twilight of a mint but also the waning days of an era in which silver was both a commodity and a political issue, as debates over bimetallism reached fever pitch in the early 1890s.
Despite its relatively moderate mintage, few 1891-CC Morgan Dollars have survived in Mint State grades, especially with clean surfaces and full luster. Many of the coins encountered today were either heavily circulated or stored under poor conditions, leading to scratches, spotting, or dulling. Finding an example certified MS63 is therefore no small feat, and the addition of the VAM-3 attribution only increases its desirability. Demand for Top 100 VAMs has surged in recent years, driven by specialist collectors and registry set competitions. Coins like this, which combine desirable grade, notable mintmark, and popular variety, occupy a sweet spot in the market.
In terms of collectibility, the 1891-CC MS63 VAM-3 appeals to a broad range of numismatists. Type collectors may seek a single Carson City Morgan Dollar, and this coin more than satisfies that need with both eye appeal and scarcity. VAM collectors actively pursue Top 100 varieties to build competitive or educational sets. Morgan specialists may seek every date and mintmark combination and particularly value those with added die varieties. Finally, investors and silver enthusiasts appreciate the coin’s 90% silver composition and tangible link to American monetary history, adding bullion interest to an already historically charged collectible.
In conclusion, the Certified 1891-CC Morgan Silver Dollar MS63 ANACS Top 100 VAM-3 “Spitting Eagle” is a standout coin that intersects rarity, historical narrative, and variety collecting. With its status as the last Carson City Morgan, its inclusion in the Top 100 VAM catalog, and its attractive Mint State 63 condition, this coin offers exceptional value and intrigue. For the advanced collector or serious investor, it represents not only a fine specimen of a beloved series but also a piece of the rugged and iconic Carson City legacy. The confluence of aesthetic appeal, die variety, and historical importance makes it a cornerstone of any specialized Morgan Dollar collection.