A selected instance of a United States silver coin, minted in 1879 on the Carson Metropolis Mint, is characterised by its composition of 90% silver and 10% copper. These cash, often known as Morgan {dollars}, bear the “CC” mint mark, indicating their origin. They signify a tangible piece of American historical past and numismatic curiosity.
The worth and desirability of such an merchandise stem from a confluence of things, together with its silver content material, historic significance, and relative shortage primarily based on mintage figures and situation. Cash produced on the Carson Metropolis Mint are typically extra wanted by collectors resulting from their decrease manufacturing numbers in comparison with different mints. Their survival over time, in various grades of preservation, contributes to their market worth.
Understanding the historic context, steel composition, and mint-specific traits is essential for any dialogue associated to those artifacts. The next sections will delve into facets akin to grading requirements, elements influencing market costs, and the function of those cash in shaping American financial historical past.
1. Carson Metropolis Mint
The Carson Metropolis Mint, designated by the “CC” mint mark, holds an important place within the narrative of the 1879 silver greenback. Its presence instantly impacts the coin’s worth and collectibility. Cash minted at Carson Metropolis sometimes had decrease manufacturing runs in comparison with these produced in Philadelphia, New Orleans, or San Francisco. Consequently, these are scarcer. The mint operated from 1870 to 1893, primarily processing silver from the Comstock Lode. The 1879 “CC” instance serves as a tangible hyperlink to this period of intense silver mining and its affect on the nation’s economic system.
The “CC” mint mark acts as a readily identifiable signature of origin. Collectors actively search out examples from Carson Metropolis, steadily paying premiums considerably above these of the identical coin from different mints. This premium displays the historic context. The truth that the silver used to make the cash was sourced so near the mint itself. The 1879 “CC” silver greenback, due to this fact, embodies a localized piece of American historical past, distinct from variations produced elsewhere. Authentication providers rely closely on figuring out the right “CC” mint mark model to confirm authenticity and provenance.
In abstract, the Carson Metropolis Mint represents a defining aspect of this silver greenback. The coin serves as a bodily artifact connecting to the mining historical past of the American West. The mint mark contributes considerably to each numismatic worth and historic curiosity. Understanding this connection is key to appreciating the broader significance of the 1879 “CC” silver greenback.
2. Morgan Greenback Design
The 1879-CC silver greenback is intrinsically linked to the Morgan Greenback design, a universally acknowledged emblem of late Nineteenth-century American coinage. Understanding the design components and their historic context is essential for a complete evaluation of this particular coin.
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Obverse Depiction: Liberty
The obverse encompasses a profile of Liberty, dealing with left, adorned with a Phrygian cap and a crown of wheat and cotton. “E Pluribus Unum” and the 12 months of minting encircle the picture. This illustration symbolized the nation’s beliefs of freedom and prosperity. The 1879-CC coin, like all Morgan {Dollars}, showcases this iconic portrayal, connecting it to a broader narrative of American id.
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Reverse Depiction: Bald Eagle
The reverse presents a heraldic eagle clutching arrows and an olive department, representing the facility of conflict and the will for peace. The motto “In God We Belief” seems above the eagle, whereas “United States of America” and the denomination (“One Greenback”) are inscribed across the periphery. This design bolstered nationwide delight and the nation’s rising affect on the world stage. On the 1879-CC, the crispness and element of this reverse design affect its grade and collector enchantment.
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Designer: George T. Morgan
The design is attributed to George T. Morgan, an engraver at the US Mint. His initials, a small “M,” are discovered on the truncation of Liberty’s neck and on the ribbon bow on the reverse. Morgan’s design was chosen after a contest, changing the Seated Liberty design that had been in use for many years. The 1879-CC, due to this fact, represents a transition in American coinage design and a selected inventive imaginative and prescient.
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Design Variations and VAMs
Whereas the core design remained constant all through the Morgan Greenback collection, refined variations exist resulting from die variations and engraver modifications. These variations are cataloged by numismatists as “VAMs” (Van Allen-Mallis numbers). Some 1879-CC examples exhibit particular VAMs that may considerably affect their worth, relying on rarity and collector demand. Recognizing these design nuances requires specialised information and provides one other layer to the coin’s enchantment.
In conclusion, the Morgan Greenback design varieties an integral a part of the 1879-CC silver greenback’s id. From its symbolic representations of Liberty and the eagle to the inventive nuances launched by George T. Morgan, the design contributes considerably to the coin’s historic significance, aesthetic enchantment, and numismatic worth. Appreciation of the design components enhances understanding and worth evaluation of the particular 1879-CC specimen.
3. Silver Content material Purity
The intrinsic worth and authorized tender standing of the 1879-CC silver greenback are instantly tied to the purity and weight of its silver content material. Understanding the exact composition is essential for precisely assessing its price, each traditionally and within the trendy numismatic market.
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Normal Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
The 1879-CC silver greenback, in compliance with the Coinage Act of 1873, was composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This commonplace was utilized to all Morgan silver {dollars}, making certain uniformity in intrinsic worth. The silver offered the first financial price, whereas the copper alloy elevated the coin’s sturdiness and resistance to put on. The exact weight of the coin (26.73 grams) mixed with this composition dictated its soften worth, which fluctuated with the silver market worth.
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Affect on Intrinsic Worth
The silver content material dictates the intrinsic or soften worth. Calculating this includes multiplying the present spot worth of silver by the load of silver throughout the coin. This intrinsic worth serves as a baseline for figuring out the general price. Numismatists and traders take into account this alongside elements like rarity and situation.
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Position in Authentication
The required silver content material and weight are key elements in authenticating an 1879-CC silver greenback. Counterfeit cash typically deviate from the usual composition, exhibiting totally different silver percentages or weights. Respected grading providers make use of strategies like X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to research the steel composition, verifying authenticity and detecting alterations.
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Historic Significance and Financial Coverage
The silver content material displays the broader financial insurance policies of the US through the late Nineteenth century. The Coinage Act of 1873 demonetized silver, resulting in important debate. The Bland-Allison Act of 1878 and the Sherman Silver Buy Act of 1890 mandated the federal government buy of silver for coinage. The 1879-CC silver greenback stands as a bodily illustration of this contentious interval in American financial historical past, the place the worth of silver performed a central function in financial coverage.
In abstract, the silver content material purity is a defining attribute of the 1879-CC silver greenback. The coin’s composition dictates its intrinsic worth, aids in authentication, and offers a tangible connection to the financial and political debates surrounding silver through the late Nineteenth century. Understanding this interaction is key to appreciating the historic and numismatic significance.
4. Mintage Figures Significance
The mintage figures for the 1879-CC silver greenback instantly affect its shortage, a main determinant of its worth throughout the numismatic market. The Carson Metropolis Mint produced 756,000 silver {dollars} in 1879, a comparatively low quantity in comparison with different mints like Philadelphia. This restricted manufacturing establishes a basis for collector demand. The less examples initially produced, the less survive to the current day, particularly in excessive grades. This shortage creates a aggressive market amongst collectors in search of to accumulate these cash, driving up costs considerably. For instance, a standard date Morgan greenback from Philadelphia could be price solely its silver content material in circulated situation. The same 1879-CC in the identical situation can command a premium of tons of of {dollars}, instantly attributable to its decrease mintage and related shortage.
Understanding the mintage figures permits collectors and traders to make knowledgeable selections. Analyzing the unique manufacturing numbers, mixed with inhabitants studies from grading providers like PCGS and NGC, offers a extra correct evaluation of rarity. These inhabitants studies doc the variety of cash graded at every stage of preservation. This information highlights the shortage of higher-grade examples. As an illustration, whereas 756,000 had been initially minted, solely a small fraction have been graded as Mint State 65 or increased. This discrepancy between the preliminary mintage and the variety of high-grade survivors additional amplifies the worth of pristine examples. The sensible significance lies in recognizing that mintage figures are usually not absolute indicators of worth. The situation and survival price are essential contributing elements.
In abstract, the mintage figures for the 1879-CC silver greenback play a pivotal function in figuring out its worth and desirability. The comparatively low manufacturing on the Carson Metropolis Mint established an inherent shortage, which continues to drive collector demand and premium costs. This understanding offers a framework for analyzing the coin’s place throughout the broader numismatic market. The sensible software requires contemplating the mintage numbers alongside different elements, akin to situation and grading information, to reach at an correct evaluation of price.
5. Situation Grading Requirements
Situation grading requirements are paramount in figuring out the numismatic worth of an 1879-CC silver greenback. These requirements present a structured system for assessing the bodily state of a coin. They guarantee a level of uniformity and objectivity in a market the place subjective perceptions might in any other case prevail.
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Sheldon Scale and Descriptive Grading
The Sheldon Scale, starting from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Mint State Excellent), varieties the muse of contemporary coin grading. This numerical system is paired with descriptive phrases. For instance, a coin graded MS-65 (Mint State 65) denotes an uncirculated coin with minor imperfections. Cash graded as AU (About Uncirculated) exhibit slight put on on the very best factors of the design. The appliance of those requirements to an 1879-CC dictates its placement throughout the collector market. A coin with substantial put on could be valued close to its silver content material, whereas a high-grade instance can command a major premium.
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Put on and Floor Preservation
Put on, ensuing from circulation, is a essential issue. The presence and extent of wear and tear on key design components, akin to Liberty’s hair or the eagle’s feathers, instantly affect the grade. Floor preservation considers elements like luster, firming, and the presence of scratches, contact marks, or different imperfections. An 1879-CC with robust authentic luster and minimal floor blemishes will obtain a better grade, resulting in elevated worth. Conversely, extreme cleansing or harm to the floor will negatively have an effect on the evaluation.
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Strike High quality and Eye Attraction
Strike high quality refers back to the sharpness and completeness of the coin’s design. A well-struck 1879-CC reveals clear particulars and distinct options. Weak strikes, which might happen resulting from die put on or minting stress, detract from the grade. Eye enchantment encompasses the general aesthetic presentation. Elements akin to engaging firming, pleasing luster, and an absence of distracting marks contribute to a coin’s subjective enchantment. Whereas subjective, eye enchantment can affect a grader’s evaluation and finally affect the coin’s marketability.
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Third-Get together Grading Providers (TPGs)
Organizations like PCGS (Skilled Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Warranty Company) present impartial grading providers. They make use of skilled graders to evaluate cash in keeping with established requirements. These TPGs encapsulate cash in tamper-evident holders, offering authentication and safety. The grades assigned by these providers are broadly accepted throughout the numismatic group. The encapsulation and grading of an 1879-CC by a good TPG improve purchaser confidence and facilitate transactions within the collector market.
These grading components collectively outline the situation of an 1879-CC silver greenback. The established grading requirements function an important mechanism for assessing and speaking the coin’s bodily state. This permits knowledgeable decision-making for collectors and traders.
6. Numismatic Market Worth
The numismatic market worth of an 1879-CC silver greenback represents a fancy interaction of things extending past the coin’s intrinsic silver content material. This worth is set by collector demand, shortage, situation, and historic significance, all of which contribute to its worth within the market.
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Shortage and Mintage Figures
The 1879-CC silver greenback’s mintage determine of 756,000, comparatively low for Morgan {dollars}, instantly impacts its shortage. Decrease mintage numbers typically translate to increased costs, notably for well-preserved examples. Public sale data and worth guides persistently show that 1879-CC cash command a premium in comparison with Morgan {dollars} from different mints with increased manufacturing numbers. The shortage of the 1879-CC, due to this fact, is a main driver of its numismatic market worth.
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Situation and Grading
The situation of an 1879-CC silver greenback is a essential determinant of its worth. Cash graded as Mint State (MS) by respected third-party grading providers (TPGs) akin to PCGS and NGC can understand considerably increased costs than circulated examples. A coin graded MS-65 or increased may be price tons of and even 1000’s of {dollars}, whereas a coin in decrease grades like Good (G) or Very Good (VG) could solely be price barely greater than its silver content material. The target evaluation of situation by TPGs offers consumers and sellers with a standardized framework for valuation, influencing market costs.
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Historic Significance and Collector Demand
The historic context surrounding the 1879-CC silver greenback, together with its minting on the Carson Metropolis Mint throughout a interval of great silver manufacturing, contributes to its collector enchantment. Cash from the Carson Metropolis Mint are typically extra wanted resulting from their affiliation with the American West and the Comstock Lode. Collector demand, pushed by historic curiosity and the will to finish units, sustains increased costs for these cash within the numismatic market. Restricted availability relative to collector curiosity additional enhances the worth.
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Market Tendencies and Financial Elements
The broader numismatic market is topic to traits and financial elements that may affect the worth of 1879-CC silver {dollars}. Intervals of financial uncertainty could drive traders to valuable metals and uncommon cash, growing demand and costs. Adjustments in collector preferences and the invention of recent varieties or errors also can have an effect on market values. Staying knowledgeable about present market traits is crucial for each consumers and sellers in search of to navigate the numismatic market successfully.
In conclusion, the numismatic market worth of an 1879-CC silver greenback is a dynamic consequence of a number of interconnected elements. Shortage, situation, historic significance, and prevailing market traits all contribute to its price. Understanding these components is crucial for anybody in search of to purchase, promote, or respect the worth of this specific coin.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
The next questions handle frequent inquiries and misconceptions concerning the 1879-CC silver greenback, aiming to supply clear and concise info for collectors and fans.
Query 1: What distinguishes an 1879-CC silver greenback from different Morgan {dollars}?
The defining attribute is the “CC” mint mark, indicating that the coin was struck on the Carson Metropolis Mint in Nevada. This mint mark, mixed with the 12 months 1879, distinguishes it from Morgan {dollars} produced at different mints akin to Philadelphia, New Orleans, or San Francisco. Cash from Carson Metropolis typically command increased premiums resulting from decrease mintage figures.
Query 2: How does the silver content material have an effect on the coin’s worth?
The silver content material (90% silver, 10% copper) offers an intrinsic worth that fluctuates with the market worth of silver. Nonetheless, the numismatic worth, pushed by elements like shortage and situation, sometimes exceeds the soften worth. Whereas the silver content material establishes a baseline price, collector demand primarily determines the coin’s total market worth.
Query 3: The place can one reliably buy an genuine 1879-CC silver greenback?
Respected coin sellers, established numismatic public sale homes, and on-line marketplaces with robust vendor rankings are potential sources. Buying cash graded and authenticated by PCGS or NGC provides an added layer of safety, making certain the coin’s authenticity and situation.
Query 4: What is supposed by “VAM” within the context of 1879-CC silver {dollars}?
“VAM” refers back to the Van Allen-Mallis numbers, a cataloging system for figuring out die types of Morgan silver {dollars}. Sure VAMs, indicating particular die traits, can improve a coin’s worth resulting from their relative rarity and collector curiosity.
Query 5: How does cleansing have an effect on the worth of an 1879-CC silver greenback?
Cleansing sometimes diminishes a coin’s numismatic worth. Synthetic cleansing typically damages the coin’s floor, eradicating authentic luster and forsaking microscopic scratches. Collectors typically want uncleaned cash with authentic firming, as these are thought of extra fascinating and genuine.
Query 6: What elements contribute to variations in costs for 1879-CC silver {dollars}?
Situation, as assessed by skilled grading providers, is a main driver of worth variations. Greater-grade cash (MS-65 and above) command considerably increased costs than circulated examples. Moreover, market demand, particular VAM varieties, and the general well being of the numismatic market contribute to cost fluctuations.
The previous solutions present a foundational understanding of key facets associated to the 1879-CC silver greenback. Additional analysis and session with numismatic specialists are really useful for in-depth evaluation and knowledgeable decision-making.
The subsequent part will discover methods for constructing a set and managing the dangers related to numismatic investments.
Suggestions for Buying and Preserving an 1879-CC Silver Greenback
Buying and sustaining an 1879-CC silver greenback requires diligence and knowledgeable decision-making. The next pointers intention to help collectors in making sound decisions and preserving the worth of their acquisitions.
Tip 1: Conduct Thorough Analysis Earlier than Buy: Previous to buying an instance, analysis current public sale data and worth guides. Data of market traits will allow knowledgeable valuation assessments.
Tip 2: Prioritize Authenticity Verification: Buy cash graded and authenticated by PCGS or NGC. These third-party grading providers present assurance of genuineness and correct situation evaluation. Counterfeit examples exist. Reliance on knowledgeable authentication mitigates the danger of buying a spurious coin.
Tip 3: Assess Situation Underneath Correct Lighting: Look at the coin below ample lighting to detect refined floor imperfections. Scratches, abrasions, and proof of cleansing can considerably affect the grade and worth. A cautious examination below correct illumination facilitates an correct analysis.
Tip 4: Retailer Cash in Inert Holders: Defend examples from environmental harm by storing them in archival-quality, inert holders. These holders forestall publicity to air, moisture, and contaminants that may speed up deterioration. Applicable storage contributes to long-term preservation.
Tip 5: Keep away from Aggressive Cleansing Strategies: Chorus from utilizing harsh cleansing brokers or abrasive supplies. Cleansing can irreparably harm a coin’s floor, decreasing its numismatic worth. Preservation of the unique floor is mostly most well-liked by collectors.
Tip 6: Take into account Insurance coverage Protection: Discover insurance coverage choices to safeguard in opposition to loss, theft, or harm. Numismatic insurance coverage insurance policies can present monetary safety for helpful collections. Safe protection provides peace of thoughts and mitigates potential monetary setbacks.
Tip 7: Doc Acquisitions Totally: Preserve detailed data of all purchases, together with date of acquisition, worth paid, vendor info, and grading particulars. These data are important for insurance coverage functions, property planning, and monitoring the efficiency of the gathering.
Tip 8: Monitor Market Tendencies and Numismatic Publications: Keep knowledgeable about market traits and developments within the numismatic group by subscribing to business publications and attending coin reveals. Steady studying contributes to knowledgeable decision-making and profitable gathering.
By adhering to those pointers, collectors can navigate the numismatic market with larger confidence and shield the worth of their 1879-CC silver greenback. Cautious analysis, diligent preservation, and knowledgeable decision-making are paramount for profitable gathering.
The next part will present a concluding abstract of the important thing insights mentioned all through this text.
Conclusion
This exploration of the 1879 CC silver greenback has underscored its multifaceted significance. The coin’s worth transcends its intrinsic silver content material, stemming from its historic context, comparatively low mintage on the Carson Metropolis Mint, and the condition-based grading requirements utilized by the numismatic group. The Morgan Greenback design, a product of its period, additional contributes to its collectibility. Understanding these interconnected elements is essential for precisely assessing the coin’s place throughout the broader numismatic panorama.
The enduring enchantment of the 1879 CC silver greenback as a collectible artifact underscores the worth of historic preservation and knowledgeable gathering practices. Continued analysis and engagement with established numismatic sources are important for navigating the market and appreciating the lasting significance of this tangible piece of American historical past. The preservation of such artifacts ensures that future generations can join with and perceive the financial and cultural forces that formed the previous.
