1878 CC Morgan Silver Dollar: History, Mintage, Value & Collecting Guide

The 1878 CC Morgan silver dollar is an important early issue in the Morgan dollar series and one of the first silver dollars struck at the Carson City Mint. Featuring George T. Morgan’s classic Liberty design and a heraldic eagle reverse, the 1878-CC Morgan dollar is widely collected for its historical significance, Carson City mintmark, and 90% silver composition. ARC Gold Liberty Half Eagles VF-XF 1839-1908

With a reported mintage of 2,212,000 coins, the 1878 CC Morgan silver dollar represents one of the key early Carson City issues. 1 oz Pure Silver Buffalo Rounds

What Is the 1878 CC Morgan Silver Dollar?

The 1878 CC Morgan silver dollar is a United States silver dollar produced at the Carson City Mint in Nevada during the first year of Morgan dollar production. The “CC” mintmark appears on the reverse below the wreath. 1914 5c PCGS MS64 – Buffalo Nickel

The 1878 cc morgan silver dollar was designed by George T. Morgan, whose Liberty portrait appears on the obverse. The reverse features an eagle holding arrows and an olive branch, surrounded by a wreath. 1872 Philadelphia Liberty Head $5 Gold Half Eagle – NGC AU55

The 1878 cc morgan silver dollar issue is particularly significant because Carson City began producing Morgan dollars in 1878 after receiving the necessary dies from Philadelphia. ARC Gold Austrian Philharmonic 1oz BU

1878 CC Morgan Silver Dollar Specifications

Specification	Details
Coin	1878-CC Morgan Silver Dollar
Face Value	$1
Mint	Carson City
Mintmark	CC
Designer	George T. Morgan
Composition	90% silver, 10% copper
Weight	26.73 grams
Diameter	38.10 mm
Edge	Reeded
Silver Content	0.7734 troy oz
Mintage	2,212,000

These specifications are documented by PCGS CoinFacts and other numismatic references. ARC 1 oz Silver Bar – Random Design

1878 CC Morgan Dollar Mintage

The 1878-CC Morgan dollar mintage was 2,212,000 coins. This makes it a historically important issue within the first year of the Morgan dollar series.

Mintage should not be confused with the number of coins that exist today. Large quantities of Morgan dollars were melted during the 20th century, including under the Pittman Act. Consequently, the number of surviving examples is considerably lower than the original production figure. 1 oz Pure Silver Buffalo Rounds

PCGS has documented surviving examples across numerous grades and varieties, including regular-strike, prooflike (PL), and deep mirror prooflike (DMPL) examples. ARC 2025 1/4 oz American Gold Eagle Coin BU

How to Identify an 1878 CC Morgan Silver Dollar

Identifying an 1878-CC Morgan dollar starts with checking the date and mintmark.

On the obverse, Liberty faces left and wears a Phrygian-style cap decorated with wheat, cotton, and other agricultural motifs. The date 1878 appears along the bottom.

On the reverse, an eagle is positioned inside a wreath. Look beneath the wreath for the distinctive “CC” mintmark, indicating production at Carson City. ARC 2025 1/2 oz American Gold Eagle BU

The 1878-CC issue is associated with the seven-tail-feather reverse design. PCGS also documents multiple die varieties, including VAM varieties, which can be of interest to specialists. ARC 2025 1/10ozGold American Eagle BU

Why Is the 1878-CC Morgan Dollar Important?

Several characteristics make the 1878-CC Morgan dollar historically notable.

First-Year Morgan Dollar Issue

The Morgan dollar series began in 1878, making the 1878-CC an early issue from the beginning of one of America’s best-known silver dollar series.

Carson City Mintmark

The CC mintmark is an important part of the coin’s appeal. Carson City Morgan dollars are particularly popular with collectors who specialize in coins from the historic Nevada mint.

90% Silver Composition

Like other classic Morgan dollars, the 1878-CC contains 90% silver and 10% copper, with approximately 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver.

Early Morgan Dollar Design

The coin represents one of the earliest versions of George T. Morgan’s famous dollar design, giving collectors an opportunity to own a piece from the beginning of the series.

1878 CC Morgan Silver Dollar Value

The value of an 1878 CC Morgan silver dollar depends on several factors, including:

• Condition and numerical grade
• Original surface quality
• Strike quality
• Eye appeal
• Mintmark characteristics
• Die variety
• Prooflike or DMPL designation
• Certification
• Current collector demand

A circulated example may have a substantially different market value from a high-grade Mint State coin. Exceptional examples can command significant premiums. 2020 1/10oz $5 American Gold Eagle BU

For example, PCGS records an auction result of $34,500 for an MS67 1878-CC Morgan dollar, demonstrating how strongly condition can affect the value of high-grade examples.

Because coin prices change with market conditions, an accurate valuation should be based on the specific coin’s grade, variety, authenticity, and current market activity rather than the date and mintmark alone. 2019 $5 1/10oz Gold American Eagle BU

1878 CC Morgan silver Dollar Varieties

The 1878 CC Morgan silver dollar is especially interesting to variety collectors. PCGS documents numerous VAM and other die varieties for the issue. Differences can involve features such as the date, lettering, arrow feathers, and mintmark positioning.

Some examples are also designated PL (Prooflike) or DMPL (Deep Mirror Prooflike). These coins can display highly reflective fields that resemble proof surfaces. PCGS maintains separate classifications for regular-strike, PL, and DMPL examples.

Collectors interested in varieties should examine the coin carefully or consider professional attribution when a particular VAM variety is suspected. 2015 Canada 1 oz Platinum Maple Leaf BU

Is the 1878 CC Morgan Silver Dollar Rare?

The answer depends on how rarity is defined.

The original mintage was 2,212,000, so the issue was not produced in extremely small numbers. However, many Morgan dollars were subsequently melted, and high-grade survivors are much scarcer than the original mintage figure suggests.

The condition of an individual coin therefore matters greatly. A circulated 1878-CC Morgan dollar and a premium Gem Mint State example can represent very different levels of rarity.

1878 CC Morgan Silver Dollar vs. Other 1878 Morgan Dollars

The 1878 Morgan dollar was produced at multiple facilities, including Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Carson City. The mintmark makes it possible to distinguish the Carson City issue from coins struck at the other mints.

The CC mintmark is therefore essential when identifying an 1878-CC Morgan dollar. PCGS lists the Carson City mintage at 2,212,000 coins.

For collectors building a Morgan dollar set, the 1878-CC can provide an important early Carson City representative.

Coin Highlights:

• Silver Content: Contains .7734 troy ounces of fine silver.
• Certified Condition: Encapsulated and authenticated by PCGS as MS-63, ensuring its quality and preservation.
• Obverse Design: Features Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap, with “Liberty” inscribed on her hair band. The design is encircled by “E Pluribus Unum,” the date of issue, and 13 small stars representing the original colonies.
• Reverse Design: Showcases a bald eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows, encircled by “United States of America,” “One Dollar,” and “In God We Trust.”
• Historic Carson City Mint: Coins minted in Carson City bear the coveted “CC” mint mark on the reverse below the wreath.

Own a Piece of the Old West

Enhance your collection with this certified 1878-CC Morgan Silver Dollar—a striking blend of history, beauty, and investment potential.

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