1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-63 DPL (NGC).At first glance, it might surprise some collectors to read that the 1889-CC has a fairly well-matched population between Prooflike Mint State coins and similarly graded examples with either a satiny or frosty finish. When one considers that this issues mintage is just 350,000 pieces, then perhaps they can understand that many of the examples produced came from dies that still exhibited mirrored qualities. This is just such a coin, with both sides displaying a mostly uniform, deeply reflective finish. We say "mostly" because there are some satiny tendencies to the devices, particularly on the reverse eagle and wreath. Untoned overall, both sides possess bold to sharp striking definition. Scattered bagmarks confirm the MS-63 assessment, but only an obverse reeding mark below Libertys eye is worthy of individual attention.<p>The 1889-CC is the first Carson City Mint Morgan dollar struck since 1885. The Nevada branch mint was actually closed throughout the intervening years during the first presidency of Grover Cleveland, who backed the gold standard and, to the dismay of western mine owners, opposed the free coinage of silver. As the Carson City Mint had come into existence principally to process the large quantities of silver being mined from the nearby Comstock Lode, Clevelands political positions made the continued operations of the facility unlikely.<p>Cleveland was defeated in his initial re-election bid in 1888, however, paving the way for the reopening of the Carson City Mint the following year. Coinage operations resumed fairly late in 1889, however, giving the facility enough time to strike only 350,000 Morgan silver dollars, as related above. Although other CC-Mint Morgans have lower mintages, the 1889-CC was saved in far fewer numbers and, today, ranks as the rarest Carson City Mint issue of the type.PCGS# 97191. NGC ID: 2559.NGC Census: 30; 13 finer in this category (all MS-63 DPL).From our Philadelphia ANA Auction of August 2012, lot 11524.
