Smart Buying Guide: How to Buy CC Added Coins Without Getting Ripped Off

If you’re looking to add a Carson City Morgan dollar to your collection, you need a strategy — not just enthusiasm. The “CC” mint mark on Morgan silver dollars is one of the most counterfeited and altered features in all of numismatics. Whether you’re hunting for a rare 1879-CC, an 1884-CC, or any other date in the series, the risk of encountering a coin with an added “CC” mint mark is a reality every collector must face. As someone who has spent years studying the Morgan dollar market, I can tell you that knowing where to buy, what red flags to watch for, how to negotiate, and whether to pursue raw or slabbed coins will save you hundreds — if not thousands — of dollars over your collecting career.

Understanding the CC Added Problem

The Carson City Mint produced Morgan dollars from 1878 through 1893, and many dates in the series carry significant premiums over their Philadelphia and San Francisco counterparts. Because of that premium, unscrupulous individuals have long been tempted to take a common Philadelphia (no mint mark) or San Francisco (S mint mark) Morgan dollar and add a “CC” mint mark to it. The practice dates back decades, and some alterations are remarkably sophisticated.

In the forum discussion that inspired this article, a collector posted images of what they believed might be an 1879-P Morgan dollar with a CC mint mark added. The coin showed a “weird tilt” to the letters, which immediately raised suspicion. That’s exactly the kind of scenario that plays out daily in online forums, at coin shows, and in dealer inventories. The question is: how do you protect yourself?

Where to Buy: Choosing Your Marketplace Wisely

Not all buying venues are created equal when it comes to the risk of encountering altered coins. Here’s my breakdown of the major marketplaces, ranked from lowest to highest risk:

1. Major Auction Houses (Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, Legend Rare Coin Auctions): These firms employ expert authenticators and guarantee the coins they sell. If a coin is later determined to have an added mint mark, you’ll typically receive a full refund. The premiums are higher, but the peace of mind is worth it.
2. PCGS and NGC Certified Coins (Slabbed): Coins graded and encapsulated by the top two services have undergone authentication. While no system is perfect, the risk of a CC-added coin slipping through PCGS or NGC is extremely low. This is the safest route for most collectors.
3. Reputable Online Dealers (with return policies): Established dealers who offer a no-questions-asked return policy within a reasonable window (7–30 days) provide a solid middle ground. Always verify the dealer’s reputation through the PNG (Professional Numismatists Guild) or ANA (American Numismatic Association) directories.
4. Coin Shows: Buying in person allows you to examine the coin under your own loupe before purchasing. However, you need to know what you’re looking for. Coin shows are a double-edged sword — great deals exist, but so do altered coins.
5. Online Marketplaces (eBay, Facebook Groups, Forums): This is the highest-risk venue. While many honest sellers operate on these platforms, the lack of authentication and the prevalence of altered coins make this a minefield for the uninformed buyer. If you buy here, you must be your own authenticator.

Red Flags: How to Spot a CC Added Mint Mark

Over the years, I’ve examined hundreds of Morgan dollars with suspected added mint marks. Here are the key red flags I look for — and that every collector should train their eye to detect:

1. Unusual Tilt or Positioning

On genuine Carson City Morgan dollars, the “CC” mint mark is punched into the die and appears in a consistent position relative to the other design elements. If the letters appear tilted, off-center in an unusual way, or at an angle that doesn’t match known genuine examples, that’s a major red flag. As the original poster noted, the “weird tilt” was the first thing that caught their attention — and that instinct was correct.

2. Inconsistent Letter Style

Each mint had its own style of mint mark punching. The Carson City “CC” has a distinctive look that varies slightly by date but remains within a recognizable range. Compare the suspect coin to verified examples of the same date. Resources like VAMWorld.com are invaluable for this purpose, as they catalog the known die varieties for each date, including mint mark positioning and style.

3. Tool Marks or Disturbed Metal

An added mint mark is typically punched or engraved into the coin’s surface after the fact. Under magnification (10x or higher), you may see:

• Small raised burrs of metal around the edges of the letters
• Disruption of the original flow lines in the metal
• Subtle differences in the surface color or texture within and around the mint mark area
• Evidence of re-engraving or tooling that doesn’t match the original die characteristics

4. The Coin Isn’t Rare Enough to Justify Alteration

This is a point raised by forum member @DesertCoin, and it’s an important one. If a coin is common in the grade being offered, the economic incentive to add a CC mint mark is lower — but not zero. Some alterations are done opportunistically by individuals who don’t understand the market. Conversely, if a coin is being offered at a price that seems too good to be true for a rare CC date, that’s itself a red flag.

5. Evidence of Cleaning or Surface Alteration

Several forum respondents noted that the coin in question appeared to be “harshly cleaned” or “wizzed” (a term for mechanical cleaning using a wire brush or similar tool). A cleaned coin isn’t automatically a CC-added coin, but the two issues often go hand in hand. Someone willing to alter a mint mark may also be willing to clean a coin to make it more presentable. Always be wary of coins that appear unnaturally bright, have hairlines across the surface, or show evidence of artificial toning. A natural patina and original luster are what you want to see — anything that disrupts that eye appeal should give you pause.

Raw vs. Slabbed: The Eternal Debate

One of the most important decisions you’ll make as a collector is whether to buy raw (ungraded) coins or slabbed (certified and encapsulated) coins. Each approach has its merits and drawbacks.

The Case for Slabbed Coins

When you buy a Morgan dollar certified by PCGS or NGC, you’re paying for authentication as well as grading. The major services have sophisticated methods for detecting added mint marks, including:

• High-resolution imaging and comparison to known genuine examples
• Metallurgical analysis in some cases
• Expert human graders who have seen thousands of genuine and altered coins

If a slabbed coin is later determined to have an added mint mark, the grading company will typically make it right — either by re-encapsulating it with a “Genuine” designation or by offering a refund. That safety net is worth the premium for most collectors, especially when you’re dealing with dates that carry serious numismatic value.

The Case for Raw Coins

Raw coins are often significantly cheaper than their slabbed counterparts, especially in lower grades. If you have the knowledge and experience to authenticate coins yourself, you can find excellent deals in the raw market. However, you must be honest with your own skill level. As forum member @bob wisely noted: “No need to get in a holder. Just describe properly whenever you sell.” That’s sound advice — if you’re not confident in your ability to authenticate, either get the coin certified or buy from a source that offers a return policy.

The Middle Ground: “Genuine Only” Authentication

Forum member @PROMETHIUS88 suggested an excellent compromise: send the coin to ANACS for a “Genuine Only” authentication, with no grade assigned. This service is less expensive than full grading and will tell you whether the coin is authentic. If it comes back as genuine, you can then decide whether to have it fully graded or keep it raw. If it comes back as altered, you have your answer without having spent a fortune on full certification.

Negotiating Tips: Getting the Best Price

Whether you’re buying raw or slabbed, negotiation is a critical skill. Here are my top tips for getting the best deal on Morgan dollars, particularly CC dates:

1. Do Your Homework: Before you negotiate, know the current market value of the coin you’re considering. Check recent auction results on Heritage Auctions, PCGS CoinFacts, and NGC Coin Explorer. Knowledge is power at the bargaining table.
2. Point Out Flaws Honestly: If you notice cleaning, scratches, or other issues, mention them respectfully. A seller who knows their coin is cleaned will often be willing to negotiate downward when a knowledgeable buyer raises the issue.
3. Ask About Provenance: Where did the coin come from? A coin with a documented history of ownership is more trustworthy than one without. If the seller can’t provide any provenance, factor that into your offer.
4. Be Willing to Walk Away: The single most powerful negotiating tool is the willingness to walk away. If a seller is unwilling to budge on price and you have concerns about authenticity, don’t be afraid to pass. There will always be another coin.
5. Bundle Purchases: If you’re buying multiple coins from the same dealer, ask for a package deal. Dealers are often more willing to offer discounts on larger purchases.
6. Pay with Cash or Check: Many dealers offer a discount for cash or check payments, as they avoid credit card processing fees. This can save you 2–3% on your purchase.

Using VAMWorld and Other Resources

As forum member @MsMorrisine pointed out, VAMWorld.com is an essential resource for anyone collecting Morgan dollars. VAM (Van Allen-Mallis) varieties catalog the different die pairings used to strike Morgan dollars, and many varieties have distinctive mint mark characteristics. By comparing your coin to the known VAM varieties for its date, you can often confirm or rule out authenticity.

Here’s how I recommend using VAMWorld:

1. Identify the date and mint mark of your coin.
2. Navigate to the appropriate date page on VAMWorld.
3. Review the known VAM varieties for that date, paying close attention to mint mark position, size, and style.
4. Compare your coin to the photographs and descriptions provided.
5. If your coin doesn’t match any known variety, that’s a red flag — though not definitive proof of alteration, as new varieties are still being discovered.

Other valuable resources include the PCGS CoinFacts database, the NGC Coin Explorer, and the ANA’s online library. For hands-on learning, consider attending a summer seminar or workshop offered by the American Numismatic Association. There’s no substitute for holding genuine coins in your hand and studying the strike, luster, and overall eye appeal up close.

What to Do If You Already Own a Suspect Coin

If you’re reading this and suspect that a coin in your collection may have an added CC mint mark, don’t panic. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

1. Examine the coin carefully under 10x magnification, paying close attention to the mint mark area.
2. Compare it to known genuine examples using VAMWorld, PCGS CoinFacts, or NGC Coin Explorer.
3. Seek a second opinion from a trusted dealer or fellow collector. Online forums can be helpful, but remember that opinions from photos are not definitive.
4. Consider professional authentication through ANACS, PCGS, or NGC. A “Genuine Only” service is the most cost-effective option if you only need to confirm authenticity.
5. If the coin is altered, describe it honestly if you ever sell it. The numismatic community values transparency, and misrepresenting an altered coin can damage your reputation and potentially expose you to legal liability.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Carson City Morgan Dollars

Carson City Morgan dollars occupy a special place in American numismatic history. The Carson City Mint operated from 1870 to 1893, producing gold and silver coins that are now among the most sought-after pieces in the hobby. The “CC” mint mark carries with it the romance of the Old West, the Comstock Lode, and a bygone era of American coinage.

However, that romance comes with risk. The prevalence of added mint marks means that collectors must be vigilant, educated, and strategic in their buying. By choosing reputable sellers, learning to spot red flags, understanding the raw vs. slabbed debate, and negotiating effectively, you can build a collection of genuine CC Morgan dollars that you can be proud of — coins with real collectibility and lasting numismatic value.

As the forum discussion demonstrates, even experienced collectors can be uncertain about a coin’s authenticity. The key is to approach every purchase with a healthy dose of skepticism, a willingness to do your research, and the humility to seek expert opinions when needed. The best collectors aren’t those who never make mistakes — they’re the ones who learn from them.

Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a newcomer to the hobby, the advice in this guide will serve you well. The CC Morgan dollar market is deep, liquid, and full of opportunity — but only for those who know how to navigate it wisely. Buy smart, authenticate thoroughly, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt.

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