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The 1881-CC Morgan Silver Dollar is a highly sought-after coin among collectors, particularly in its original GSA (General Services Administration) packaging. Struck at the legendary Carson City Mint, this coin represents an important chapter in American numismatics, reflecting both the economic and historical significance of the Nevada mint. As part of the famed Morgan Dollar series, the 1881-CC issue holds a special place due to its relatively low mintage, exceptional quality, and connection to the silver mining boom of the late 19th century. A certified MS64 uncirculated example in GSA packaging further enhances its desirability, making it a prized addition to any collection.
The Carson City Mint, established in 1870, played a crucial role in the production of silver coinage, particularly Morgan Dollars. Named after the city that housed it, the mint was strategically located near the Comstock Lode, one of the richest silver deposits in American history. The availability of locally sourced silver made the Carson City Mint an ideal location for striking silver dollars. However, due to lower demand and political factors, the mint produced fewer coins than its counterparts in Philadelphia, San Francisco, and New Orleans. As a result, Carson City Morgan Dollars tend to have lower mintages, increasing their rarity and collectability.
The obverse of the 1881-CC Morgan Dollar features the classic design created by George T. Morgan. The central figure is a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty, her profile adorned with a Phrygian cap, wheat stalks, and cotton bolls, symbolizing agricultural prosperity. Above her head is the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” which translates to “Out of Many, One,” a reference to the unity of the United States. Thirteen stars encircle the design, representing the original thirteen colonies, while the date “1881” is positioned at the bottom. The intricate details of Morgan’s engraving are well-preserved on this high-grade MS64 specimen, highlighting the artistic quality of the design.
The reverse of the coin showcases a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch in one talon and a bundle of arrows in the other. This imagery represents the balance between peace and military readiness. Above the eagle’s head is the national motto, “IN GOD WE TRUST,” inscribed in an elegant Gothic font. A laurel wreath encircles the eagle, with the denomination “ONE DOLLAR” and the issuing country, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” completing the outer inscriptions. Below the wreath, the distinct “CC” mintmark is prominently displayed, signifying its origin at the Carson City Mint.
The mintage of the 1881-CC Morgan Dollar was notably low, with only 296,000 coins struck. This figure ranks among the lower production totals for the entire Morgan Dollar series, making it one of the scarcer issues from Carson City. While some other Carson City dates have lower mintages, the survival rate of the 1881-CC is relatively high, thanks in part to the GSA hoard. During the 1960s and 1970s, the U.S. government rediscovered a significant number of uncirculated Morgan Dollars in Treasury vaults, including many from Carson City. These coins were later sold to collectors through the GSA sales, ensuring that a good portion of 1881-CC Morgans remained in pristine condition.
The General Services Administration (GSA) sales of the 1970s played a crucial role in preserving the uncirculated condition of many Carson City Morgan Dollars. Coins distributed in the GSA sales were housed in distinctive black plastic cases, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the U.S. government. Collectors highly value these original GSA-packaged coins, as they provide an unbroken provenance directly from the Treasury hoard. This 1881-CC Morgan Dollar, certified MS64 in GSA packaging, represents an exceptional example of an uncirculated Carson City issue, combining historical significance with outstanding preservation.
The MS64 grade assigned to this coin by a reputable grading service such as NGC or PCGS indicates a coin in excellent condition. An MS64 coin is classified as uncirculated, with strong luster and well-defined details. While minor bag marks or contact marks may be present, they do not detract significantly from the coin’s overall appearance. The surfaces remain vibrant, with the frosty luster typical of well-preserved Morgan Dollars. The strike quality is strong, ensuring that even the finer elements of the design, such as Liberty’s hair strands and the eagle’s feathers, remain sharp and well-defined.
One of the defining characteristics of a high-grade 1881-CC Morgan Dollar is its outstanding luster. This MS64 example exhibits a bright, original mint luster that enhances the coin’s visual appeal. The cartwheel effect, a signature feature of well-preserved Morgan Dollars, is present, adding a dynamic shimmer when the coin is tilted under light. The natural frostiness of the design contrasts beautifully against the fields, creating a stunning visual effect that collectors find highly desirable.
Despite its relatively low mintage, the survival rate of the 1881-CC Morgan Dollar in uncirculated condition is relatively high due to the GSA hoard. However, obtaining a certified MS64 example in its original GSA packaging is still a significant achievement for collectors. The combination of a high grade, limited mintage, and Carson City pedigree makes this coin a prime candidate for investment as well as historical appreciation.
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 ceased operations in 1893, making its coinage highly collectible due to its short-lived production run. Coins bearing the "CC" mintmark evoke the Old West, a time when silver mining was at its peak, and the United States was rapidly expanding westward. The 1881-CC Morgan Dollar serves as a tangible connection to this bygone era, adding to its allure among collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
Market demand for Carson City Morgan Dollars remains strong, particularly for high-grade examples in original GSA packaging. The historical significance of the Carson City Mint, coupled with the relatively low mintage and well-preserved nature of GSA coins, contributes to their sustained value. As more collectors seek to complete sets of Morgan Dollars, the 1881-CC issue continues to be a key acquisition for both advanced and novice numismatists.
In conclusion, the Certified 1881-CC Morgan Silver Dollar in MS64 uncirculated condition, housed in its original GSA packaging, is a remarkable coin that embodies the rich history of American numismatics. Its connection to the Carson City Mint, low mintage, and outstanding preservation make it a highly desirable piece for collectors and investors alike. The classic Morgan Dollar design, coupled with the significance of the GSA hoard, ensures that this coin remains a treasured relic of the past. Whether appreciated for its historical context, artistic beauty, or investment potential, this 1881-CC Morgan Dollar stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of U.S. coinage.