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The 1878-CC Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most historically significant coins in American numismatics. As the first year of issue for the Morgan Dollar series, the 1878-CC holds a special place among collectors, particularly those interested in Carson City coinage. Struck at the legendary Carson City Mint, this coin represents the beginning of a series that would become one of the most widely collected in U.S. history. A Certified MS63 Uncirculated example in GSA (General Services Administration) packaging further enhances its desirability, making it a prized addition to any collection.
The Carson City Mint was established in 1870 to process the vast amounts of silver extracted from the Comstock Lode, one of the richest silver deposits ever discovered. The mint played a crucial role in producing coinage for the western United States, including the newly introduced Morgan Dollar. The 1878-CC was one of the first Morgan Dollars struck at this facility, making it a key issue in the series. Although the mint operated intermittently until 1893, its limited output and distinctive “CC” mintmark have made Carson City coins some of the most sought-after in the numismatic world.
The obverse of the 1878-CC Morgan Dollar features the iconic design by George T. Morgan. Lady Liberty is depicted in left-facing profile, wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton, symbolizing America’s agricultural prosperity. Above her head is the Latin motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM," meaning "Out of Many, One," a nod to the unity of the nation. Thirteen stars encircle the design, representing the original colonies, while the date “1878” is positioned at the bottom. The intricate details of Morgan’s engraving, particularly the fine strands of Liberty’s hair and the delicate rendering of her facial features, are well preserved in this MS63 example.
The reverse of the coin showcases a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, holding an olive branch in one talon and a bundle of arrows in the other. This imagery represents America’s balance between peace and military strength. Above the eagle’s head is the national motto, "IN GOD WE TRUST," inscribed in an elegant Gothic font. The surrounding legend reads "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DOLLAR," reinforcing the coin’s status as legal tender. The distinctive "CC" mintmark appears below the wreath, marking it as a product of the Carson City Mint.
The mintage of the 1878-CC Morgan Dollar was relatively low compared to later issues, with only 2,212,000 pieces struck. This figure, while higher than some subsequent Carson City issues, is still considered modest within the broader Morgan Dollar series. Many of these coins saw heavy circulation, making high-grade uncirculated examples particularly desirable. The survival rate of Mint State pieces was significantly boosted by the GSA hoard, a cache of silver dollars discovered in U.S. Treasury vaults and sold to collectors in the 1970s and 1980s.
The General Services Administration (GSA) sales of the 1970s were instrumental in preserving uncirculated Carson City Morgan Dollars. These coins, originally stored by the Treasury for decades, were released to the public in distinctive black plastic holders accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Collectors highly prize original GSA-packaged coins, as they provide an unbroken provenance from the government’s holdings. This 1878-CC Morgan Dollar, certified MS63 in GSA packaging, is a superb example of a well-preserved, first-year Carson City issue.
The MS63 grade, as certified by a major grading service such as NGC or PCGS, indicates a coin in uncirculated condition with strong eye appeal. An MS63 coin will exhibit full mint luster and sharp details but may have minor contact marks or small abrasions from storage. The surfaces remain vibrant, with the frosty texture typical of well-struck Morgan Dollars. While some chatter may be present in the fields, these minor imperfections do not detract significantly from the overall appearance of the coin.
The luster of this 1878-CC Morgan Dollar is an essential factor in its appeal. A well-preserved MS63 specimen exhibits a bright, original mint sheen that enhances the visual impact of the design. The characteristic cartwheel effect, where light reflects in a rotating pattern across the surface, is present and adds to the coin’s desirability. The combination of strong luster and sharp details makes this an attractive piece for collectors seeking a well-struck Carson City Morgan Dollar.
The strike quality of the 1878-CC Morgan Dollar varies among surviving examples, as the Carson City Mint was still refining its coin production techniques at the time. However, this MS63 specimen displays a well-defined strike, with clear details in both the obverse and reverse designs. Liberty’s hair strands remain distinct, and the eagle’s feathers exhibit good separation, indicating a strong strike. The coin’s surfaces, while not flawless, retain much of their original sharpness and integrity.
The appeal of Carson City Morgan Dollars extends beyond their numismatic value, as they hold a unique place in American history. The Carson City Mint, located in Nevada, was established to process silver from the Comstock Lode, which played a crucial role in the economic development of the American West. Coins bearing the "CC" mintmark evoke the spirit of the frontier era, making them highly desirable among collectors and history enthusiasts alike. The 1878-CC Morgan Dollar, as the first of its kind, is particularly significant in this regard.
Market demand for Carson City Morgan Dollars remains strong, especially for high-grade examples in original GSA packaging. The historical significance of the Carson City Mint, combined with the limited mintage and well-preserved nature of GSA coins, ensures their continued desirability. As more collectors seek to complete sets of Morgan Dollars, the 1878-CC issue remains a key acquisition, particularly for those focusing on first-year issues and Carson City coinage.
The investment potential of the 1878-CC Morgan Dollar is bolstered by its rarity and historical importance. While all Morgan Dollars carry intrinsic silver value, those from Carson City have consistently outperformed other issues due to their limited supply and strong collector interest. An MS63 GSA example represents an excellent balance of affordability and quality, making it a strong candidate for both collectors and investors seeking a piece of American numismatic history.
The enduring popularity of the Morgan Dollar series ensures that key dates like the 1878-CC will always have a place in numismatic collections. The combination of historical significance, outstanding design, and limited availability makes this coin a standout piece. Its inclusion in the GSA hoard adds another layer of intrigue, as it connects modern collectors directly to a historic government rediscovery of forgotten silver reserves.
Owning a Certified 1878-CC Morgan Silver Dollar in MS63 uncirculated condition, housed in its original GSA packaging, offers collectors a tangible connection to the past. The coin serves as a reminder of the importance of the Carson City Mint and the role of silver in shaping America’s economic landscape. The meticulous craftsmanship of George T. Morgan’s design, coupled with the coin’s historical pedigree, ensures that it remains a treasured artifact for generations to come.
The 1878-CC Morgan Silver Dollar remains one of the most desirable coins in the series. Its first-year status, low mintage, and connection to the Carson City Mint contribute to its enduring appeal. Whether sought after for its investment potential, historical significance, or sheer beauty, this coin stands as a testament to the rich legacy of American coinage. A piece of history encased in its original GSA holder, this MS63 specimen represents the best of numismatic preservation and collecting excellence.