The 1879-CC Morgan Silver Dollar in PCGS Genuine - G Details (Cleaned) represents a genuine piece of American numismatic history from one of the most legendary silver dollar series ever produced. Struck at the historic Carson City Mint, this coin carries the coveted "CC" mintmark that collectors actively seek. Despite its circulated condition and having been gently cleaned in the past, this Morgan Dollar remains a tangible connection to the American West during the late 19th century.

Morgan Silver Dollars are among the most iconic coins in United States history. Designed by George T. Morgan, these magnificent silver dollars were minted between 1878 and 1904, and again in 1921. The 1879-CC issue is particularly significant as it was produced during the second year of the series at the Carson City Mint in Nevada, a facility established specifically to transform the massive silver finds from the Comstock Lode into legal tender coinage.

While this example shows the honest wear of circulation consistent with a Good grade, it has been authenticated and encapsulated by PCGS with the "Genuine - G Details (Cleaned)" designation. This means the coin is authentic but has been cleaned at some point in its 140+ year history. For many collectors, this represents an opportunity to own a scarce Carson City Morgan at a more accessible price point than a problem-free example in higher grades.

Key Specifications

• Year: 1879
• Mint: Carson City (CC)
• Mintage: 756,000
• Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
• Weight: 26.73 grams
• Diameter: 38.1 mm
• Edge: Reeded
• Designer: George T. Morgan
• Grading Service: PCGS
• Grade: Genuine - G Details (Cleaned)

Historical Significance

The Carson City Mint opened its doors in 1870 primarily to process the enormous quantities of silver being extracted from the Comstock Lode. The 1879-CC Morgan Silver Dollar was struck during a period of great western expansion in the United States. These coins circulated heavily in the American West, often seeing use in mining towns, gambling halls, and frontier banks. Many were later melted under the Pittman Act of 1918, making surviving examples increasingly scarce with each passing decade.

The "CC" mintmark below the wreath on the reverse instantly identifies this coin as having been struck at the famous Nevada mint. Carson City Morgans are widely considered the most romantic and collectible of all Morgan Dollars due to their connection to the Old West and generally lower mintages compared to Philadelphia and San Francisco issues. Even in circulated condition with cleaning, an 1879-CC remains a prized addition to any silver dollar collection.

The Morgan Dollar design itself is rich with symbolism. The obverse features a portrait of Liberty facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap and a crown of wheat and cotton blossoms. The portrait was modeled after Anna Willess Williams, a Philadelphia schoolteacher. The reverse displays a majestic eagle with wings outstretched, holding arrows and an olive branch, surrounded by a laurel wreath. The words "In God We Trust" appear above the eagle, reflecting the post-Civil War era in which the coin was created.

Collecting the 1879-CC Morgan Dollar

For collectors interested in Morgan Silver Dollars, the 1879-CC represents an important date in the Carson City series. While not the lowest mintage CC Morgan (that distinction belongs to the 1889-CC and 1878-CC), it remains significantly scarcer than many other dates in the series. The PCGS Genuine holder allows collectors to acquire this historic coin while maintaining confidence in its authenticity.

This coin would make an excellent addition to a date-and-mintmark set of Morgan Dollars, a type set of classic U.S. silver coins, or a specialized collection of Carson City coinage. Its Good Details grade shows the complete design elements while offering an affordable entry point into collecting these legendary American silver dollars. Each 1879-CC Morgan tells a story of the American frontier, the silver boom in Nevada, and the rich history of United States coinage during the Gilded Age.

Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or a newer collector fascinated by the romance of the Wild West, this authenticated 1879-CC Morgan Silver Dollar offers both historical significance and intrinsic silver value. The coin contains approximately 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver, making it an attractive option for both numismatic enthusiasts and precious metals investors alike.