1878-CC Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-66+ (PCGS). CAC. This is a beautiful example from the first year of Morgan dollar coinage at the fabled Nevada coinage facility. Exceptionally well preserved, both sides exhibit a virtually pristine appearance. Even under close inspection with a loupe there is little to disturb the smooth, frosty, brilliant surfaces. Sharply to fully struck throughout, it is difficult for us to imagine a more appealing example of either the type or issue.<p>The Carson City Mints initial Morgan dollar mintage was 2,212,000 coins in 1878. Unlike many later CC Mint Morgan issues (the 1883-CC and 1884-CC, for example), the 1878-CC saw considerable commercial use at the time of striking. In circulated grades this issue is among the more obtainable CC-Mint Morgans, with most such examples well worn in grades from Good to Fine. Even so, enough of the mintage was retained in government vaults that releases during the 1950s resulted in a temporary glut of coins in dealers inventories. As significant as they were, those releases were dwarfed by others affecting the 1882-CC, 1883-CC and 1884-CC beginning in the 1960s. Today Mint State examples of the 1878-CC are widely dispersed and, while still obtainable, this issue is scarce compared to the trio of truly common date Carson City Mint dollars.<p>The conditionally challenging nature of the 1878-CC comes to the fore in grades above MS-65. In MS-65+ and MS-66 this issue is scarce by Morgan dollar standards, while in MS-66+ and higher grades it is rare. A find for the discerning Carson City Mint and/or Morgan dollar specialist, we anticipate keen bidder interest in this lovely premium Gem.
