The 1890-CC Tailbar Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $600 in heavily circulated condition to over $15,000 for high-grade uncirculated specimens. This rare “VAM-4” variety is a prize for any American who discovers an old silver dollar tucked away in an attic or a family safe.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G4) to Very Good (VG8) | $550 – $650 |
| Fine (F12) to Very Fine (VF20) | $700 – $950 |
| Extremely Fine (EF40) to About Uncirculated (AU50) | $1,100 – $2,200 |
| Uncirculated (MS60 – MS63) | $3,500 – $8,500 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS64+) | $12,000 – $25,000+ |
What is the 1890-CC Tailbar Morgan Dollar?
The 1890-CC Morgan Silver Dollar is already a highly sought-after coin because it was minted at the legendary Carson City Mint in Nevada. However, the “Tailbar” variety is a special error that occurred when a die was damaged. A deep gouge or “die clash” created a raised vertical line of silver that runs from the eagle’s tail feathers down to the wreath on the reverse side of the coin.
To the untrained eye, it looks like a small bar of silver is stuck to the bird’s tail. Because this die break only affected a specific number of coins before the die was retired or fixed, the 1890-CC Tailbar is much rarer than a standard 1890-CC dollar. If you believe you have found one, using the best coin identifier app can help you zoom in on the specific “VAM” (variation) markers to confirm its authenticity.
When you identify this specific die gouge, you are no longer looking at a common silver coin; you are looking at a piece of Wild West history that carries a significant premium. The CoinHix app is an excellent resource for comparing your coin’s reverse side against high-resolution photos of known Tailbar specimens. Always check the “CC” mint mark first, then look directly for that vertical bar under the tail.
Current Market Prices for the 1890-CC Tailbar Variety
The value of this coin fluctuates based on the price of silver, but primarily moves based on collector demand at major auctions. Because there are fewer than a few thousand estimated surviving specimens in decent condition, the 1890-CC Tailbar Morgan Dollar value remains very stable even when the economy is rocky.
For those looking for detailed historical sales data, you can find the most accurate 1890-CC Tailbar MS grade price trends through professional numismatic databases. Most “Everyday Joes” will find their coins in the “VF” (Very Fine) or “EF” (Extremely Fine) range, which still commands a four-figure price tag.
If you stumble upon an uncirculated version that still has its original “cartwheel” luster, the price jumps exponentially. At this level, collectors are willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars to fill a gap in their prestigious CC-mint collections. Using tools like CoinHix can help you track these high-end auction results in real-time so you don’t sell your treasure for less than it is worth.
| Grade Detail | Visual Characteristics | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fine 12 | Heavy wear on hair; tailbar visible but faint. | $725 |
| EF 45 | Light wear on eagle wings; tailbar very distinct. | $1,650 |
| MS 63 | No wear; original shine; some bag marks. | $8,200 |
Why the Carson City Mint Mark Matters
The Carson City Mint (CC) holds a mythical status in American history. It was established near the Comstock Lode to strike silver coins directly from the source. Coins minted here were produced in much lower quantities than those in Philadelphia or New Orleans. For example, the 1890-CC has a total mintage of only 2,309,041—small compared to the millions minted elsewhere.
When you add the “Tailbar” variety to the CC pedigree, you have a “rarity within a rarity.” Collectors of Morgan Dollars often attempt to complete a “VAM set,” which includes all known die varieties. The 1890-CC Tailbar is one of the “Top 100” Morgan Dollar varieties, making it a high-priority target for serious investors.
If your coin does not have the “CC” mark above the “DOLLAR” on the reverse, it is likely a Philadelphia or New Orleans strike. While those are still silver, they will not have the Tailbar error or the high price tag. For a full breakdown of mint differences, check out this 1890 silver dollar value guide which explains how to identify mint marks and common values for the entire year.
How to Identify a Genuine 1890-CC VAM-4 Tailbar
Identifying this coin requires a magnifying glass (preferably a 10x jeweler’s loupe) or a high-quality smartphone camera. First, look at the reverse of the coin (the side with the eagle). Locate the “CC” mint mark above the letter “O” in “DOLLAR.”
Next, look at the eagle’s tail feathers. You are looking for a thick, vertical line that seems to connect the feathers to the wreath below. This line is actually a die gouge. It is not flat; it is raised above the surface of the coin. Many people mistake scratches (incuse marks) for the tailbar, but a true Vam-4 Tailbar will always be raised metal.
Furthermore, check for other “ID markers” of the VAM-4 variety, such as specific die polish lines around the word “LIBERTY” on the obverse. Using the CoinHix app’s image recognition can help you see if your coin matches the profile of these known markers. If the “bar” looks like it was scratched into the coin after it left the mint, it is likely damage and not the valuable variety.
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| The Bar | Raised vertical bump from tail to wreath. |
| Mint Mark | Clearly defined “CC” centered above “DOLLAR”. |
| Date | Sharp “1890” on the front (obverse). |
Authentication and Professional Grading
Because of its high value, the 1890-CC Tailbar is a frequent target for counterfeiters. Some scammers will try to solder a “bar” onto a regular 1890-CC, or even add a fake “CC” mint mark to a common Philadelphia coin. This is why professional grading is essential for this specific variety.
Companies like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) will verify the coin’s authenticity and assign it a numerical grade. A “slabbed” (certified) 1890-CC Tailbar is much easier to sell and often brings 20-30% more at auction than an uncertified “raw” coin.
Before spending the money on grading fees, which can be expensive, you should use a digital tool to estimate the grade yourself. Getting a preliminary opinion can save you from sending in a coin that has been harshly cleaned or damaged, which would lower its value significantly regardless of the variety.
Is Your 1890-CC Tailbar Worth an Investment?
If you are a casual hunter or found a coin in a drawer, the 1890-CC Tailbar is one of the best “lottery tickets” in the numismatic world. Unlike standard bullion coins that only rise if the price of silver goes up, this coin’s value is driven by its historical significance and rarity.
If you own one, hold onto it. The market for Carson City Morgan Dollars has been on a steady upward trend for the last two decades. As more people enter the hobby, the demand for “Top 100” VAM varieties like the Tailbar only increases. Always keep your silver dollars in PVC-free flips or holders to prevent environmental damage, which can ruin the “eye appeal” and destroy thousands of dollars in value.
Whether you decide to sell now or pass it down as a family heirloom, knowing the exact 1890-CC Tailbar Morgan Dollar value ensures you treat the coin with the respect it deserves. It is more than just a dollar; it is a survivor from 1890 Nevada, carrying a unique “scar” that makes it a treasure.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell the difference between a scratch and a Tailbar?
A: A real Tailbar is “raised” silver—part of the coin itself. If the line is “dug into” the coin (lowered), it is just a scratch and does not add value.
Q: Does cleaning the coin affect its value?
A: Yes, never clean your coins! Cleaning creates microscopic scratches that graders can detect instantly. A cleaned 1890-CC Tailbar can lose 50% or more of its market value compared to an original “dirty” coin.
Q: Are all 1890-CC Morgans Tailbars?
A: No. Most 1890-CC Morgans are “normal.” The Tailbar is a specific variety (VAM-4) caused by a damaged die. Only a small fraction of the 2.3 million minted have this feature.
Q: Where is the best place to sell an 1890-CC Tailbar?
A: For a coin of this value, reputable auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stacks Bowers are best. For lower grades, a local reputable coin shop or a verified eBay listing is a good option.
