1878-CC Morgan Dollar MS-65 PCGS

Product Details

Step back in time with this remarkable 1878-CC Morgan Dollar, a true legend struck at the storied Carson City Mint. Graded a stunning MS-65 by PCGS, this coin isn't just a piece of silver; it's a tangible link to America's Wild West.

Imagine the dusty streets of Carson City, Nevada, in 1878, a time when silver was king and fortunes were made (and lost!) in the rugged Comstock Lode.

This isn't just any silver dollar; it's one of the very first, bearing the coveted "CC" mint mark that whispers tales of prospectors, pioneers, and a booming frontier. With a mintage of 2,212,000 for this inaugural year, these coins quickly became the backbone of commerce in the American West. Today, finding one in such pristine condition, graded MS-65 by PCGS, is a rare treat, especially since so many entered circulation right away, unlike later issues that sat in Treasury vaults.

The creation of the Morgan Dollar itself is a fascinating story, born from political will and economic shifts. After the "Crime of '73" demonetized silver, the Bland-Allison Act of 1878 mandated the U.S. Treasury to purchase and coin millions of dollars worth of silver each month. This one-dollar denomination, struck in .900 fine silver with a metal content of 0.7734 troy ounces, became the physical embodiment of this new era. It’s a coin that represents the nation’s commitment to its silver producers and the expansion of its currency during a period of immense growth and change.

The artistry of this coin is undeniable, a testament to the talent of Assistant Engraver George T. Morgan. On the obverse, his elegant portrayal of Lady Liberty gazes left, wearing a Phrygian cap signifying freedom, surrounded by an agricultural wreath of cotton and wheat, symbolizing America's bounty. Look closely, and you might even spot his initial "M" at the base of Liberty's neck! The model for this iconic Liberty was a Philadelphia schoolteacher, Anna Willess Williams, who reluctantly agreed to pose. The reverse features a powerful bald eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch of peace and arrows of strength, all encircled by the legends "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "ONE DOLLAR." At a diameter of 38.1 mm and a thickness of 3.1 mm, this coin makes a substantial statement.

For the discerning collector, this 1878-CC Morgan Dollar isn't just about its specifications; it's about owning a piece of a legacy. It's the first year of a beloved series, struck at a legendary mint, and preserved in remarkable condition. It's a connection to the raw ambition of the American West, the political currents that shaped a nation, and the timeless artistry that makes numismatics so captivating. This coin is for anyone who appreciates history, the thrill of the hunt, and the enduring beauty of American coinage.