1878-CC Morgan $1 CC Coin of the Week 1-31-2010

As has been previously stated by fellow member Randy C, 1878 saw a change in design for the silver dollar. Gone was the Seated Liberty design and in was the George T. Morgan design featuring who some believe is Miss Anna Willess Williams, an unlikely 19 year old celebrity who became a kindergarten teacher and writer. According to Leroy Van Allen, Miss Williams spent the rest of her 66 years avoiding all the curiosity seekers who believed she was the model for Miss Liberty.

Quantities dwindled at Carson City for all denominations in 1878 except for the silver dollar, which accounted for nearly 75% of the $2,950,310 in face value coined that year. When the clock turned to 1879, gone from the Carson City Mint were the dime, quarter, half dollar and Trade Dollar, never to be coined there again.

All 1878-CC dollars feature the flat breasted eagle. This design caused some weak strikes on the reverse. Two reverse varieties are very interesting. The VAM 3 and VAM 6 both exhibit mintmarks set high and right so that the right "C" touches the wreath. Perhaps the technician forgot that there were two mint marks and punched the first too close to the center of the wreath. Who made that sour mash at lunch comment? :laugh:

Uncirculated specimens are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. Some 100,000 to 125,000 uncirculated specimens are estimated to survive. About 61,000 of those were released in the GSA sales. 1878-CC dollars in GSA holders command a moderate premium, compared to the '82, '83 and '84.

I happen to have an 1878-CC in a PCGS 63 holder. It is slightly prooflike. Obtained in 1997, It is the first CC dollar I ever purchased. As it turned out, it is the VAM 18 doubled die obverse. I am still looking for a VAM 3 or 6.