The 1889-CC Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $600 in heavily worn condition to over $350,000 in pristine mint state. This particular coin is often considered the “King” of the Carson City silver dollar series due to its low production numbers and overall scarcity in the modern market.
Why the 1889-CC Silver Dollar is the Holy Grail for Collectors
Finding an 1889 Morgan Dollar with the “CC” mint mark is often a life-changing discovery for everyday families cleaning out old safes or inheriting collections. While the Philadelphia mint produced millions of coins that year, the Carson City branch in Nevada only struck 350,000 pieces. This was the lowest mintage of any Morgan Dollar struck at the Carson City mint during its entire operation. If you aren’t sure if your coin is authentic, you can use a free coin identifier app to confirm the details before heading to a dealer.
Most of these coins were melted down shortly after production or circulated heavily during the Wild West era. Because so few survived in high grades, the demand from serious investors is incredibly high. If you think you might have one, using the CoinHix app can help you organize your collection and track price trends. Because this coin is so rare, even specimens with significant wear and tear still command hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
How to Identify a Genuine 1889-CC Morgan Dollar
To check the value of your coin, you must first verify the mint mark. On the reverse side of the coin, just above the “DO” in “DOLLAR” and below the eagle’s tail feathers, you should see two small “C” letters. If there is no letter, the coin was minted in Philadelphia and is worth significantly less. Because the 1889-CC is so valuable, there are many counterfeits in circulation. Professional grading from services like PCGS or NGC is almost always required to sell this coin for its full potential.
When evaluating the condition, look at the hair lines above Liberty’s ear and the feathers on the eagle’s breast. If these areas are smooth, the coin is considered “Circulated.” If the original luster remains and there is no visible wear, you are looking at a “Mint State” coin. Understanding the market value of 1889-CC Morgan Dollars in uncirculated condition is vital because a single grade point difference can mean a price jump of $50,000 or more. Using tools like CoinHix allows you to compare your coin against high-resolution photos of graded specimens.
Estimated Price Guide for 1889-CC Silver Dollars
The market for rare silver dollars is constantly moving. While heavily worn coins remain steady, those in the “About Uncirculated” or “Mint State” categories have seen massive growth over the last decade. It is important to remember that these prices are estimates based on auction records and professional dealer lists.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) to Very Good (VG-8) | $600 – $850 |
| Fine (F-12) to Very Fine (VF-20) | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $4,500 – $6,000 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $11,000 – $15,000 |
| Mint State (MS-60 to MS-62) | $25,000 – $45,000 |
| Choice Mint State (MS-63+) | $65,000 – $350,000+ |
Factors That Influence the Final Sale Price
Beyond the basic grade, several factors can boost the value of your 1889-CC. “Eye appeal” is a major factor for collectors; if the coin has a beautiful natural patina or “rainbow toning,” it may sell for a premium. Conversely, if the coin has been cleaned—meaning someone used chemicals or a cloth to make it look shinier—the value can drop by 50% or more. Never clean your old coins!
The price of silver also provides a “floor” for the value, but for the 1889-CC, the numismatic rarity far outweighs the melt value. You should check the current resale price for 1889 Carson City silver dollars frequently, as high-end auctions can set new records that influence the entire market. Using the CoinHix app’s portfolio feature is a great way to keep an eye on these fluctuations without having to call a coin shop every week.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 1889-CC Morgan Dollar
Q: How can I tell if my 1889-CC is a fake?
A: Professional counterfeiters often “glue” a CC mint mark onto a Philadelphia coin. Look for a tiny seam around the mint mark under a magnifying glass. Real 1889-CC dollars also have a specific weight of 26.73 grams; most fakes are lighter or made of magnetic metals.
Q: Why is the 1889-CC so much more expensive than the 1888-CC or 1890-CC?
A: It comes down to survival rates. While the 1889-CC had 350,000 minted, a huge portion of that mintage was never released and was subsequently melted under the Pittman Act of 1918. This left only a few thousand available for collectors today compared to tens of thousands for other years.
Q: Where is the best place to sell an 1889-CC Morgan Dollar?
A: For a coin of this value, avoid local pawn shops. The best returns usually come from major numismatic auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stacks Bowers. Ensure the coin is authenticated by PCGS or NGC first to guarantee you receive the maximum market price.
