1879-CC Morgan Silver Dollar. Clear CC. MS-64+ (PCGS).This is a gorgeous example of the coveted 1879-CC dollar. Both sides are essentially brilliant, the devices frosty in texture with modest hints of semi-reflectivity in the fields. Sharply struck throughout and temptingly close to a full Gem Mint State rating. Despite its proximity to Nevadas rich silver mines, the Carson City Mint was forced to play second fiddle as much of the bullion mined was sent instead to the more distant San Francisco Mint for coinage. There was so little bullion on hand at the Carson City Mint throughout 1879, in fact, the presses were still for much of the year. In our August 2013 sale of the Battle Born Collection, Rusty Goe reported that Superintendent Crawford received orders from his superiors in Washington, D.C. to cease coinage operations in April and lay off workers. The presses in Carson City remained idle until August, after which only 210,000 additional silver dollars were struck before the end of 1879. When added to the 546,000 coins struck prior to the Mints cessation of operations in April, the total mintage for the 1879-CC amounted to just 756,000 coins.
