1889 CC Morgan Dollar Secrets: What Graders Won’t Tell You About Authentication & Preservation

Let’s get real about what most collectors miss with the 1889-CC Morgan Dollar

After two decades of handling rare coins – and examining thousands of Morgans – I’ve seen collectors make the same costly mistakes with 1889-CC specimens time after time. What I’m sharing today won’t appear in any grading company pamphlet. These are the trade secrets learned through my own expensive errors and those 3 AM conversations with grizzled dealers at coin shows.

The Authentication Tightrope Walk

When an 1889-CC Morgan hits my examination table, my hands start to sweat – and not from excitement. This is the second most counterfeited Carson City dollar (right behind the 1893-CC), with fakes so convincing they’ve made experts question their careers. Here’s what grading services won’t tell you at submission windows:

That Mint Mark Speaks Volumes

It’s not just about spotting the “CC.” Real 1889-CC Morgans always show:

• A hair’s-width gap (0.5mm) between the second ‘C’ and the denticles
• The first ‘C’ sitting noticeably higher than its twin
• Tiny die polish lines running northwest from the mint mark

“The fakes look too textbook. Real CC marks were punched by tired mint workers who didn’t own rulers.” – PCGS Grader (name withheld)

The VAM-5 Nightmare

If your coin appears to be the Far Date VAM-5 variety, you’re facing three authentication traps:

• Scammers surgically add fake CC marks to genuine VAM-5 coins
• Authentic reverses show feathering around the die crack above ‘DOLLAR’
• Look for the crucial die gouge at the eagle’s right talon – missing in nearly all counterfeits

The Dirty Truth About Cleaned Coins

Let me be blunt: nearly every circulated Morgan has been cleaned at some point. But here’s where collectors get burned – not all cleanings are treated equally. What separates a marketable coin from one that’s radioactive to buyers?

Spotting Chemical Dipping

Your coin shows classic dipped characteristics:

• Unnatural frosted streaks in Liberty’s hair despite wear
• Dull gray patches hiding in protected recesses
• Tiny pits around stars visible under magnification

Here’s what most miss: Some dipped coins can still find buyers if:

• The cleaning happened before Nixon was president
• There’s no telltale ammonia smell lingering
• You find zero evidence of mechanical polishing

The Unspoken Rules of Grading

“VF-XF Details” seems straightforward until you learn how the game really works:

The Hidden Hierarchy of Details Grades

• Top Tier: Microscopic cleaning evidence (still worth about 2/3 of clean value)
• Middle Tier: Visible wipe marks but untouched fields (about half value)
• Bottom Tier: Harsh cleaning with scratches or damage (quarter value)

From the glare patterns in your photos, you’re straddling middle and bottom tiers.

Population Reports Lie By Omission

PCGS claims 1,200+ graded 1889-CC Morgans in VF20-XF40. What their numbers hide:

• Nearly half live in details holders
• Fewer than 1 in 10 “straight grade” coins have original surfaces
• Duplicate crossovers inflate the numbers

To Slab or Not to Slab?

Should you grade this cleaned family heirloom? Here’s how the math really works:

When Slabbing Makes Sense

• Authentication alone can triple an 1889-CC’s value
• Slabbed details coins outsell raw ones 2-to-1 at auction
• Protects sentimental pieces for future generations

The Dark Side of Details Grades

“I’ve watched details-graded 1889-CCs collect dust while scratched straight-grades sold instantly – even at higher prices.” – Veteran dealer (trading since 1987)

Three harsh realities:

• Details grades can’t be upgraded later
• Insurers value them 40% lower than straight grades
• Next-gen collectors increasingly demand untouched surfaces

Keeping Your Treasure Safe

If you keep your heirloom raw, use the same protocol I recommend to museum clients:

The 3-2-1 Preservation Method

• Layer 1: Cotton gloves > Mylar flip > Acid-free cardboard
• Climate Control: Two silica packs (replace every 90 days)
• Sweet Spot: Keep at 68°F with 45-50% humidity

Danger Zones for Handling

Never expose your Morgan to:

• Kitchens (invisible grease mist)
• Home offices (toner particles)
• Sunlit rooms (UV rays destroy surfaces)

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Grade

Through years of heartbreaks and triumphs with 1889-CC Morgans, here’s what matters most:

• Treat every 1889-CC like a crime scene – examine forensically
• Cleaned coins aren’t worthless – they’re just complicated
• Grading decisions impact both value and legacy
• Proper storage preserves history for future collectors

Never forget: Your grandfather didn’t leave you a plastic slab. He left you a silver dollar that survived train robberies, world wars, and economic crashes. That story’s worth more than any grade.

Related Resources

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