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The 1880/79-CC Morgan Dollar, featuring the Reverse of 1878 and certified in MS64 by NGC, is a highly sought-after coin among collectors due to its historical significance, rare overdate variety, and its connection to the famous General Services Administration (GSA) hoard. Struck at the Carson City Mint, this coin is a prime example of the Morgan Dollar series, one of the most popular and widely collected series in U.S. numismatics. The 1880/79-CC Morgan Dollar is an intriguing overdate variety, where the original date of 1879 was partially overpunched with the date 1880, creating a distinct and collectible feature. Combined with the Reverse of 1878, which differs from later Morgan Dollar reverses, this coin offers a unique glimpse into the production techniques and challenges faced by the Carson City Mint during the late 19th century.
The obverse of the 1880/79-CC Morgan Dollar features the iconic portrait of Liberty, designed by George T. Morgan. Liberty is depicted wearing a Phrygian cap, a symbol of freedom, adorned with agricultural elements like cotton and wheat, representing America’s agricultural prosperity. The inscription "E PLURIBUS UNUM" arches above Liberty’s head, and thirteen stars, symbolizing the original colonies, surround the portrait. The overdate feature is clearly visible in this variety, where the remnants of the "79" are seen beneath the "80" in the date, creating a fascinating design element for collectors. In MS64 condition, the obverse remains well-struck with sharp details in Liberty’s hair and cap. The fields of the coin display minimal contact marks, and much of the coin’s original mint luster is intact, giving it an attractive and appealing appearance.
The reverse of the 1880/79-CC Morgan Dollar, known as the "Reverse of 1878," features a bald eagle with outstretched wings, holding an olive branch in one talon and a bundle of arrows in the other, symbolizing the nation's desire for both peace and strength. The eagle is surrounded by the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DOLLAR." The Reverse of 1878 is distinguished by the flat breast of the eagle and a seven-feathered tail, which differs from the more detailed and convex eagle design used in later issues. The "CC" mint mark, indicating that the coin was struck at the Carson City Mint, is prominently displayed below the wreath. In MS64 condition, the reverse of the coin exhibits crisp detail in the eagle’s feathers and talons, with a smooth, reflective surface that enhances the overall appeal of the coin.
The Carson City Mint, where this coin was produced, holds a special place in U.S. numismatic history. Established in 1870 to serve the booming silver mining industry of the Comstock Lode, the Carson City Mint produced some of the most iconic coins in American history, including several key dates in the Morgan Dollar series. The "CC" mint mark has become synonymous with rarity and desirability among collectors, as the Carson City Mint’s output was significantly smaller than that of the larger mints in Philadelphia and San Francisco. The 1880/79-CC Morgan Dollar is one of the more notable issues from this mint, with its overdate variety and unique reverse design adding to its historical and numismatic significance.
The 1880/79-CC Morgan Dollar with the Reverse of 1878 had a relatively low mintage of 591,000 coins. Although this mintage figure is not the lowest among Carson City Morgan Dollars, the coin’s scarcity is increased by its overdate variety, which was a result of repurposing older dies in an effort to conserve resources. Many of these coins were held in storage and eventually rediscovered in the 20th century as part of the GSA hoard. This large stockpile of uncirculated Carson City Morgan Dollars was sold by the U.S. government in the 1970s, giving collectors the opportunity to acquire these coins in their original GSA holders. The coins certified by NGC as part of the GSA hoard are especially prized for their provenance and uncirculated condition.
In MS64 condition, the 1880/79-CC Morgan Dollar is a high-grade example of this rare overdate variety. The coin retains much of its original luster, with only minor contact marks visible in the fields, which is typical for coins at this grade level. The strike is strong, especially in the key areas of Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers, where many lower-grade examples tend to show weakness. The combination of the coin’s sharp details, vibrant luster, and minimal marks makes it an attractive piece for collectors seeking high-quality examples of Carson City Morgan Dollars.
The 1880/79-CC Morgan Dollar with the Reverse of 1878, certified in MS64 by NGC, is a remarkable coin that combines rarity, historical significance, and aesthetic appeal. As part of the GSA hoard, it holds a special place in the history of American coin collecting, offering collectors the chance to own a piece of Carson City’s legacy. The overdate feature and the unique reverse design make this coin a standout in the Morgan Dollar series, and its high grade further enhances its value and desirability. For collectors of U.S. silver dollars or Carson City coinage, the 1880/79-CC Morgan Dollar is an essential addition to any collection.