The Thrill of the Hunt: How to Cherry Pick an 1889-CC Morgan Dollar from Circulation and Bulk Lots

You never know where numismatic treasure might hide—that’s the thrill of the hunt. While dealer cases showcase pristine specimens, nothing beats the heart-pounding rush of discovering an 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar in the wild. As a roll hunter with decades of dirt under my fingernails, I’ve learned ordinary bank wraps and estate sales can yield extraordinary rewards. Let me share how to spot these legendary coins before they slip through less observant hands.

Historical Significance of the 1889-CC Morgan Dollar

Few coins embody America’s frontier spirit like the final Morgan dollar struck at the fabled Carson City Mint. The 1889 issue emerged during the mint’s dying days, its presses groaning under political turmoil and mechanical fatigue. With merely 350,000 coins produced before the silver deposits ceased in 1893, this Western warrior commands instant respect among collectors. Its numismatic value stems not just from rarity, but from representing the last gasp of a legendary mint.

“Back in May ’68, my father and I hit silver paydirt—two 1889-CC Morgans hiding in a $1,050 bag of common dates. At $1.75 each, those frontier relics became crown jewels in our collection.”

Notice how the CC mintmark (tucked beneath the eagle’s tail feathers) bears the squared serifs unique to Carson City dies? That tiny detail transforms any Morgan into a piece of living history. When you hold one, you’re gripping the same silver that crossed gamblers’ palms in Virginia City saloons.

Identifying Key Markers in the Wild

The Cherry Picker’s Field Guide

• Mintmark Tells All: Authentic CC stamps show blocky serifs—counterfeits often botch this critical detail
• Date Dance: True 1889 issues align perfectly with Liberty’s neck truncation
• Strike Secrets: Weak breast feathers reveal tired dies—a hallmark of genuine late-stage CC production
• Ring True: Tapping produces that crystalline *ping* only 90% silver can sing

When sifting through bulk lots, prioritize coins with honest wear over polished imposters. Original bag marks tell a story; cleaned surfaces scream deception. The forum member’s images reveal textbook circulated examples—Liberty’s cheek softly worn like well-rubbed saddle leather.

Modern Treasure Hunting Grounds

Where Legends Still Surface

While you won’t find an 1889-CC in your laundromat change, these proven honey pots still yield surprises:

• Bank Vault Roulette: Regional banks sometimes harbor forgotten silver dollar inventories
• Estate Sale Sleuthing: Seek “old coins” ads—families often underestimate grandpa’s collection
• Bulk Buy Bonanzas: Coin show “junk bins” hide more treasures than you’d guess
• Dealer Dark Horses: Many specialists have unsorted bags gathering dust in backrooms

Value Guide: From Pocket Change to Museum Quality

Condition rules all in the CC Morgan realm. Consider these recent benchmarks:

• VG (Very Good): $1,500-$2,500—expect full rims but faded feathers
• XF (Extremely Fine): $3,000-$5,000—Liberty’s hair coils start whispering details
• AU (About Uncirculated): $7,000-$12,000—traces of original luster peeking through
• MS63: $25,000+—fewer than 200 exist in mint condition

“Twelve CC dates sit in my album, but that 1889 gap mocks me. Finding one with original patina? That’s the holy grail.”

This collector’s quest illustrates why even low-grade 1889-CC Morgans command premiums. They’re not just coins—they’re frontier history made tangible, the ultimate series-capper for Carson City enthusiasts.

Advanced Cherry Picking Tactics

Secrets of the Silver Savants

Master collectors spot value where others see clutter:

• Seek coins flashing original “cartwheel” luster beneath light wear
• Trace provenance through old dealer tags or auction stickers
• Study VAM-3A doubles—this rare variety shows dramatic doubling on reverse lettering
• Inspect foreign silver lots—sleepers sometimes get misclassified

The forum member’s multiple CC scores prove bulk buys reward the diligent. Their photos showcase varying eye appeal, but all display authentic surfaces—the golden ticket for serious collectibility.

Authentication Red Flags

With great rarity comes great fakery. Arm yourself against counterfeits:

• Suspect weights—true Morgans dance between 26.73g ±0.05g
• Mushy details on Liberty’s ear or eagle’s talons
• Modern tool marks under magnification—authentic wear looks natural
• Wrong ring tone—silver’s bright song can’t be faked

The Collector’s Journey

Building a CC set isn’t a sprint—it’s a decades-long odyssey. As one forum sage shared:

“Upgrading my 1889-CC felt like completing a marathon. Seeing that CC mintmark in AU—cheek still glowing with original luster—made every hunt worthwhile.”

This relentless pursuit defines true collectors. We start with common 1883-CC Morgans, progress through GSA hoard coins, and finally chase the elusive 1889. Each step forges deeper connection to the West’s silver legacy.

Conclusion: Why the Hunt Matters

The 1889-CC Morgan Dollar isn’t just metal—it’s manifest destiny stamped in silver. While auction records soar, the dream lives on in unsearched rolls and dusty estate boxes. Remember: every bank bag might conceal Carson City royalty, every flea market jar could hold numismatic destiny. Keep your magnifiers close and your hopes high. Happy hunting!

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