1884-CC Morgan $1 GSA MS63

The 1884-CC Morgan Silver Dollar stands out as a coveted piece among U.S. coinage, blending the rich history of the Carson City Mint with the enduring popularity of the Morgan Dollar series. This example, graded MS63 and preserved in its original General Services Administration (GSA) holder, offers a rare opportunity to own a beautiful, historically significant silver dollar in a condition that balances quality and affordability.

Struck at the Carson City Mint in Nevada, the 1884-CC Morgan Dollar reflects the frontier heritage of America’s silver mining boom. Carson City coins are instantly recognizable to collectors thanks to their distinctive "CC" mintmark, a small but powerful symbol of the Old West. The Morgan Dollar series itself, designed by George T. Morgan, was introduced in 1878 and features the iconic profile of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a bold eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse.

The 1884-CC issue had a mintage of just 1,136,000 coins. While that figure may seem substantial, the majority of these coins were stored in Treasury vaults for decades, untouched by circulation. In the 1960s and 1970s, the U.S. government decided to sell off this stockpile, and the General Services Administration was tasked with handling the release. The GSA sales made many Carson City Morgan Dollars available to collectors, but they were quickly absorbed into the market, and high-grade examples in original holders are increasingly difficult to find.

Coins graded MS63 strike a perfect balance for many collectors. This grade indicates a fully uncirculated coin with strong luster and minimal contact marks, most of which are only noticeable under magnification. The MS63 level offers beautiful eye appeal without the premium prices commanded by gem-level pieces, making it an attractive choice for those seeking quality and value.

In its original GSA holder, the coin’s authenticity and provenance are clear. The black plastic case, accompanied by a GSA certificate, has become iconic in its own right. Collectors prize these holders not only for their historical connection to the Treasury hoard sales but also for the way they preserve and display the coin. Many GSA-hoarded Carson City dollars have since been removed from their holders for third-party grading, so finding one still intact is a special occurrence.

The obverse design by George T. Morgan presents Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton, symbols of America’s agricultural bounty. The reverse features a powerful eagle holding arrows and an olive branch, framed by the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DOLLAR. This timeless artwork, paired with the gleaming silver surfaces of an uncirculated coin, creates a visually striking collectible.

The silver content of the 1884-CC Morgan Dollar adds another dimension to its appeal. Composed of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper, the coin contains .7734 troy ounces of pure silver. This intrinsic value has long made Morgan Dollars a favorite among both numismatists and bullion enthusiasts.

Owning a Carson City Morgan Dollar is more than simply holding a piece of silver. It is a connection to the mining history of Nevada, the artistry of late 19th-century American coinage, and the unique story of the GSA hoard. This 1884-CC example in MS63 grade is an excellent choice for building or upgrading a Carson City set, adding a desirable date to a Morgan Dollar collection, or securing a tangible link to the legacy of the American West.

With its combination of low mintage, uncirculated condition, original GSA presentation, and strong collector demand, this 1884-CC Morgan Silver Dollar offers a blend of beauty, rarity, and history that few coins can match. It is a standout piece worthy of a place in any serious collection.