Numismatic

1878-CC Morgan Dollar MS-65 PCGS

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In 1878, a new silver coin emerged that would define an era of American coinage. The Morgan Dollar commenced production under the mandates of the Bland-Allison Act, a piece of legislation requiring the United States Treasury to purchase silver bullion and transform it into circulating coinage. Among the most celebrated of these early issues are those struck at the frontier mint in Carson City, Nevada, bearing the famous CC mint mark. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty, designed by George T. Morgan. She wears a Phrygian cap adorned with an agricultural wreath, symbolizing the nation's fertile lands. A subtle detail awaits the keen observer, as the designer's initial, a small letter M, is placed at the base of her neck. On the reverse, a bald eagle with wings outstretched holds an olive branch and arrows, surrounded by the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the ONE DOLLAR denomination. Struck from 0.900 fine silver with a total silver content of 0.7734 troy ounces, this coin measures 38.1 mm in diameter and 3.1 mm in thickness. Out of a mintage of 2,212,000 for this specific year and mint location, this particular specimen has survived in remarkable condition, certified by experts at a superb Mint State 65 (MS-65). It stands as a beautifully preserved witness to the initial year of a legendary silver series.