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The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1889-CC XF45 NGC is one of the most sought-after coins in the entire Morgan Dollar series. Struck at the legendary Carson City Mint, this coin represents an important piece of American numismatic history. As one of the key dates in the series, the 1889-CC Morgan Dollar is highly prized among collectors due to its rarity, historical significance, and limited surviving population. Graded as Extra Fine 45 (XF45) by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), this coin retains strong detail and appealing surfaces, making it a desirable acquisition for both collectors and investors.
The Morgan Silver Dollar was first introduced in 1878 following the passage of the Bland-Allison Act, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase large quantities of silver and mint them into dollar coins. Designed by George T. Morgan, the coin quickly became a symbol of American prosperity and westward expansion. The series was produced at several mints, including Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, Denver, and the Carson City Mint. The Carson City Mint, established in 1870, was particularly significant due to its proximity to the rich silver deposits of the Comstock Lode, which played a major role in the coinage of Morgan Dollars.
The obverse of the 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty, designed by George T. Morgan. Her profile is finely detailed, with a Phrygian cap symbolizing freedom, along with cotton and wheat adorning her hair to represent the agricultural wealth of the United States. Above her head, the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" is inscribed, flanked by thirteen stars representing the original colonies. The date "1889" is prominently displayed at the bottom, completing the design.
The reverse of the coin showcases a majestic bald eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch in one talon and arrows in the other. This design symbolizes the nation's commitment to both peace and military readiness. Above the eagle, the phrase "IN GOD WE TRUST" is inscribed in Gothic lettering, a distinguishing feature of the Morgan Dollar series. The outer rim bears the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DOLLAR." The "CC" mintmark, indicating the Carson City Mint, is prominently positioned just above the "D" and "O" in "DOLLAR," signifying the coin's highly desirable origin.
The 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar had a mintage of just 350,000 coins, making it one of the rarest issues in the series. This low mintage is a direct result of the closure of the Carson City Mint in 1885, followed by its reopening in late 1889 with limited production capabilities. Unlike other dates in the Morgan series, the 1889-CC did not have large reserve hoards released by the U.S. Treasury or the General Services Administration (GSA), meaning that the majority of the coins entered circulation and were heavily used.
Because of this circulation history, high-grade examples of the 1889-CC Morgan Dollar are incredibly scarce. Most surviving specimens show considerable wear, making any uncirculated or near-mint example exceedingly valuable. Even Extra Fine (XF) specimens such as this XF45-graded coin are relatively difficult to find, as many lower-grade examples exist but do not retain the same level of detail and surface appeal.
The XF45 grade assigned by NGC indicates that this coin exhibits moderate wear on the high points, but the majority of the design details remain intact. The hairlines in Liberty’s portrait, as well as the eagle’s feathers, are still well-defined, showing only minor smoothing from circulation. The fields of the coin retain some of their original luster, and the surfaces exhibit an even patina with no significant damage or distracting marks. As a result, this XF45 example offers an excellent balance between affordability and strong visual appeal.
NGC certification ensures that this 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar has been authenticated and graded by one of the most trusted third-party grading services in the numismatic world. The NGC encapsulation provides protection against environmental damage, preserving the coin’s condition for future generations. Additionally, NGC's grading standards ensure consistency, making this coin a reliable investment for those seeking a certified key-date Morgan Dollar.
The 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar is widely recognized as one of the most challenging dates to acquire in higher grades. It is considered a "Holy Grail" piece for Morgan Dollar collectors, as completing a full set of Carson City Morgan Dollars without the 1889-CC would leave a significant gap. Even well-circulated examples command strong premiums, and XF45 specimens like this one are highly desirable for those looking for a relatively high-grade coin without entering the price range of Mint State examples.
The Carson City Mint itself holds a special place in American numismatic history. It was established in response to the silver boom of the mid-19th century, primarily to process the vast amounts of silver being mined from the Comstock Lode. The "CC" mintmark is synonymous with quality and scarcity, as Carson City coins were produced in limited numbers compared to those from Philadelphia, New Orleans, or San Francisco. The 1889-CC is particularly important because it marked the resumption of Morgan Dollar production in Carson City after a four-year hiatus.
Investing in an 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar in XF45 condition offers collectors and investors the opportunity to own a rare and historically significant piece of U.S. coinage. Its combination of low mintage, limited surviving high-grade specimens, and the prestige of the Carson City Mint make it a top-tier collectible. Whether for historical appreciation, numismatic interest, or as a store of value, this coin remains one of the most sought-after key dates in American coin collecting.
The 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar in XF45 condition is a testament to both the resilience of early American coinage and the enduring demand for rare and historically significant pieces. With its rich history, iconic design, and scarce surviving population, this coin is a must-have for serious collectors looking to add a key-date Morgan Dollar to their collection. The combination of its Carson City heritage and the challenge of acquiring a well-preserved example solidifies its place as one of the most coveted coins in U.S. numismatics.