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THERE are coins that transcend their monetary value to become objects of historical and emotional significance in the world of numismatics.
One such coin is the 1889-CC Morgan Dollar, a rare and coveted piece from the historic Carson City Mint in Nevada.
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When certified as MS65+ by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and approved by the Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC), this coin has achieved a status that places it among the most sought-after in American numismatic history, per auctioneer site Heritage Auctions.
The 1889-CC Morgan Dollar stands out not just for its rarity but also for its storied history.
Struck at the Carson City Mint, this coin is a key date in the Morgan dollar series due to its low mintage and the fact that it is the rarest of the Morgan dollars from the Carson City Mint.
At the MS65 grade level, it is even rarer than the fabled 1893-S Morgan Dollar.
read more about rare coins
The scarcity of this coin is largely attributed to the tumultuous history of the Carson City Mint and its limited production run.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Carson City Mint’s operational history is closely tied to the political climate of the late 19th century.
The mint’s closure in 1885 under Democratic President Grover Cleveland was met with significant opposition from the citizens of Nevada, who viewed the mint as a crucial asset, per the website.
The situation changed dramatically in 1889 when Republican Benjamin Harrison defeated Cleveland and appointed silver advocate William Windom as Treasury Secretary.
Windom’s policies led to the reopening of the Carson City Mint on July 1, 1889.
However, the reopening was not instantaneous. The mint required extensive repairs, new equipment, and a reestablished workforce before it could resume operations.
By October 10, 1889, the mint was operational again, but only 350,000 more Morgan dollars were struck for the year, an exceptionally low number.
The Philadelphia Mint, for example, struck nearly 22 million Morgan dollars that year, per NCG Coin Grading.
These coins were heavily circulated, and few high-quality examples were preserved. Many were likely melted down or lost over time.
THE PRESENT COIN
The 1889-CC Morgan Dollar currently on the market is a pristine example, graded MS65+ by PCGS and approved by CAC.
Rare coins
You may be holding something valuable in your wallet. Check out these articles on rare coins to see if you may have a treasure hidden deep in your pockets.
This Plus-graded Gem features razor-sharp details and nearly immaculate surfaces, with vivid highlights of reddish-gold, cobalt-blue, rose, and orange-gold toning.
The coin’s frosty devices contrast beautifully with the modest prooflike reflectivity of the fields, resulting in outstanding eye appeal.
Its status as the finest CAC-certified example of its kind adds to its prestige.
The coin is noted for its exceptional quality within its grade, which is confirmed by its Plus designation.
As remarked by our consignor, while an 1893-S in this grade might command a million dollars, this 1889-CC, the “King of the Carson City Series,” holds the potential to achieve similar heights in value.
As one of the rarest and most coveted coins from the Carson City Mint, it holds a special place in any advanced collection or Registry Set.
For collectors looking to acquire a piece of American history, this coin represents a rare opportunity to own a significant artifact from the era of the Wild West and the tumultuous politics of late 19th-century America.
If collectors are looking for another valuable coin, The U.S. Sun has unearthed several that can be of interest.
A historic coin that was meant to be worth a small amount is actually valued at $352,500 thanks to a small detail.
Another coin has an error that can make it worth $840,000.
