1878-CC Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-66+ (PCGS).This is a beautiful example from the first year of Morgan dollar coinage at the Carson City Mint. Exceptionally well preserved, both sides are virtually pristine and 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.The Carson City Mints initial Morgan dollar mintage was 2,212,000 coins in 1878. Unlike many later CC-Mint Morgans (the 1883-CC and 1884-CC, for example), the 1878-CC saw considerable commercial use at the time of striking. In circulated grades it 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. 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 or Morgan dollar specialist, we anticipate keen bidder interest in this lovely premium Gem.PCGS# 7080. NGC ID: 253M.
