The 1880/79-CC Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $600 in heavily circulated condition to over $50,000 for rare high-grade specimens. Finding one of these in an old family collection is like hitting a small jackpot, as it is one of the most famous “overdate” varieties in American numismatics.
History of the 1880 79 CC Overdate Reverse of 1878
The 1880/79-CC Morgan Dollar is a fascinating piece of history from the Carson City Mint. During this era, the mint was looking to save money by reusing coin dies from the previous year. To create the 1880 coins, they took the 1879 dies and simply punched an “80” over the “79.” If you look closely at the date with a magnifying glass or the best coin identifier app, you can often see the remnants of the number 9 underneath the second 0.
Beyond the date, this specific variety is known as the “Reverse of 1878.” This refers to the eagle on the back of the coin, which has a flat breast and parallel top feathers on the arrows it holds. Because the Carson City Mint produced fewer coins than Philadelphia or New Orleans, any “CC” silver dollar is naturally more valuable. This specific combination of the overdate and the 1878 design makes it a top-tier prize for collectors. If you are unsure if your coin has these features, using the CoinHix app can help you identify fine details instantly.
Determining the Grade and Marketplace Value
When assessing your silver dollar, the condition (or “grade”) is the most important factor in determining the final price. Most coins found in drawers or jars are “circulated,” meaning they show wear from being used in daily commerce. However, even a worn 1880/79-CC Reverse of 1878 is highly desirable. For those looking for precise market data, the 1880 silver dollar value index shows that prices remain incredibly stable for this variety due to high demand.
A coin in Very Fine (VF) condition will show some detail in the hair above Liberty’s ear and the eagle’s wings. As you move into “Uncirculated” or “Mint State” (MS) grades, the value skyrockets. An MS65 specimen is a true rarity that can fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auction. Before selling, many people use CoinHix to get a baseline idea of the grade so they don’t get low-balled by a local shop. Understanding the 1880-CC overdate price trends is essential for any owner.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) to Very Good (VG-8) | $550 – $650 |
| Fine (F-12) to Very Fine (VF-20) | $700 – $900 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $1,100 – $1,400 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $1,800 – $2,500 |
| Mint State (MS-60 to MS-63) | $3,500 – $7,000 |
| Gem Mint State (MS-65+) | $35,000+ |
Identifying the Reverse of 1878 vs 1879
Ordinary Americans often get confused between the “Reverse of 1878” and the “Reverse of 1879.” To tell them apart, look at the eagle on the back. The 1878 design features a “Flat Breast” eagle and the top feather on the bundle of arrows is straight (parallel). In the 1879 design, the eagle has a “Round Breast” and the top arrow feather is slanted.
The 1880/79-CC with the Reverse of 1878 is much scarcer than the version with the updated 1879 reverse. This makes it a “key date” variety that collectors actively hunt for. If you find a “CC” mark under the eagle’s wreath and the flat-breasted eagle on the back, you are holding a very significant piece of silver. High-resolution photos in the CoinHix app can help you compare your coin against known genuine examples to confirm these subtle minting differences.
Why the Carson City Mintmark Matters
The Carson City Mint (denoted by the “CC” mintmark) was located in Nevada, near the Comstock Lode silver mines. Because it was a smaller facility compared to the main mint in Philadelphia, its production numbers were significantly lower. For the 1880/79-CC variety, the survival rate of high-quality coins is quite low, which drives up the price for modern collectors.
Owning a Carson City Morgan Dollar is like owning a piece of the Wild West. These coins were often used in gambling halls and saloons in Nevada before being stored in bank vaults for decades. When you combine the history of the CC mint with the technical curiosity of an overdate die, you get a coin that is always in high demand, regardless of how the silver market is performing.
Q: How can I tell if my 1880-CC is the 80/79 overdate?
A: Look very closely at the second “0” in the date using a loupe. You will see the top crossbar and parts of the tail of a “7” inside and around the “0.”
Q: Is a cleaned 1880/79-CC Morgan Dollar still valuable?
A: Yes, because it is a rare variety, it will still have significant value. However, cleaning a coin reduces its market price by 30% to 50% compared to an original, uncleaned version.
Q: Where is the mintmark located on this silver dollar?
A: The “CC” mintmark is located on the reverse (back) of the coin, directly above the “D” and “O” in the word “DOLLAR,” nestled just below the wreath.
