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The 1879-CC Morgan Silver Dollar in Extra Fine (XF) condition is a highly desirable example from one of the most storied mints in American history. Bearing the famed "CC" mintmark of Carson City, Nevada, this coin holds a special place in the hearts of numismatists for both its scarcity and historical context. The Morgan Dollar series began in 1878 and was struck until 1904, with a final issue in 1921. The 1879-CC is the second year of Carson City’s Morgan production and stands out for its relative rarity and complex die varieties, which make it especially appealing to advanced collectors. In Extra Fine condition, the coin retains sharp design detail with only light wear on the highest points, reflecting its passage through limited circulation while preserving much of its original artistry.
Carson City Mint coins are notable for their romantic association with the American West, silver boom towns, and frontier history. The Carson City Mint operated from 1870 to 1893, producing a comparatively small quantity of coinage compared to Philadelphia, San Francisco, or New Orleans. The 1879-CC Morgan Dollar had a reported mintage of just 756,000 coins, making it one of the lower-mintage entries in the series. Many of these coins were either melted down following the Pittman Act of 1918 or were never widely distributed, thus further reducing the number of survivors. As a result, even circulated examples are highly collectible, and coins in Extra Fine condition represent a sweet spot between affordability and sharp detail.
The design of the Morgan Dollar, created by Assistant Engraver George T. Morgan, features a striking profile of Liberty facing left on the obverse. She wears a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton, symbolizing both liberty and American agricultural wealth. The inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arcs above her head, with the date “1879” displayed prominently below. Thirteen stars flank the bottom rim, representing the original thirteen colonies. In XF condition, Liberty’s hair and cap show modest wear, but many finer strands of hair and the facial contours remain clearly defined. The fields may exhibit light evidence of circulation but retain a strong impression of the original strike.
The reverse of the coin showcases a powerful bald eagle with outstretched wings clutching arrows and an olive branch, representing the dual capacity for war and peace. A laurel wreath surrounds the lower half of the design, and the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “ONE DOLLAR” encircle the image. Below the wreath is the famous “CC” mintmark, denoting Carson City. In Extra Fine condition, the feathers on the eagle’s breast and wings exhibit some smoothing, but the overall motif remains bold and attractive. The mintmark is typically well-defined, adding both numismatic and emotional value for collectors who specialize in Carson City issues.
The 1879-CC Morgan Dollar is particularly known for its die varieties, notably the “Capped Die” or “Capped CC” variety. This occurred when a previous year’s die was repunched or re-engraved in an unusual fashion, resulting in a partially or poorly defined mintmark. These varieties are of great interest to specialists and can command premium values depending on rarity and condition. In Extra Fine condition, these varieties are still distinguishable and are often sought after due to their combination of visible detail and historical quirk. Even without the capped die, any 1879-CC Morgan is a key-date piece, and its ownership represents a significant milestone for collectors building a Carson City or Morgan type set.
The scarcity of the 1879-CC in all grades adds to its desirability. It is one of the more challenging Carson City issues to acquire, especially in higher grades. The small mintage and limited survival rate have made it one of the more valuable and sought-after dates in the Morgan Dollar series. In Extra Fine condition, this coin bridges the gap between affordable circulated coins and the high-end, mint-state rarities that often exceed many collectors’ budgets. Its combination of moderate wear and strong detail allows it to be appreciated both for its aesthetic qualities and its historical significance.
While many Morgan Dollars from Philadelphia or San Francisco are relatively easy to locate, Carson City issues like the 1879-CC are in a different league in terms of rarity. The coin’s western provenance evokes the era of the Comstock Lode, stagecoaches, and the economic development of the western frontier. Its survival today in Extra Fine condition is testament to careful handling and storage, preserving the boldness of George T. Morgan’s classic design. Collectors who value American history and limited mintage coinage recognize this date as a cornerstone piece in any serious 19th-century U.S. silver dollar collection.
From a market standpoint, the 1879-CC in XF condition commands strong prices and steady demand. It is widely considered a semi-key date, particularly due to its low original mintage and its importance as the second year of Carson City Morgan Dollar production. While Uncirculated examples are relatively rare and expensive, XF examples offer excellent value, providing significant detail and historical impact without the premium price tag of higher-grade specimens. Coins that are original and free from damage, cleaning, or harsh toning are especially desirable, and examples with attractive, even wear are often favored for their visual appeal.
Authentication and grading are essential when purchasing an 1879-CC Morgan Silver Dollar due to the coin’s value and prevalence of counterfeits. Certified examples from PCGS or NGC are highly recommended, particularly for this key date. A certified XF coin ensures both the accuracy of the condition assessment and the authenticity of the piece. For collectors who appreciate originality and eye appeal, some XF examples display lovely natural toning or subtle cartwheel luster remaining in the protected areas of the design. These qualities can make individual coins more attractive and valuable, even within the same grade.
In summary, the 1879-CC Morgan Silver Dollar in Extra Fine condition is a significant and sought-after piece that offers the collector a tangible connection to the American West and the early years of the Morgan Dollar series. Its low mintage, Carson City pedigree, and enduring design make it a standout coin in any collection. With crisp detail, moderate wear, and historical charm, it serves as both an excellent representative of the Morgan series and a proud artifact of a bygone American era.