The 1890-CC Tailbar Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $600 in heavily circulated condition to over $20,000 for high-grade uncirculated specimens. This specific variety is one of the most famous “errors” or die gouges in the entire Morgan series, making it a prized possession for anyone lucky enough to find one.
What Makes the 1890-CC Tailbar Special
If you have discovered a silver dollar dated 1890 with a “CC” mint mark, you already have a valuable coin. However, the “Tailbar” variety is a cut above the rest. This variety occurred when a stray piece of metal or a deep scratch on the coin die created a distinct vertical line extending downward from the eagle’s tail feathers toward the wreath. To the naked eye, it looks like a small bar of silver is hanging from the bird.
If you aren’t sure if your coin has this specific feature, it is helpful to use a free coin identifier app to zoom in on the reverse side of the dollar. The Carson City (CC) Mint is legendary for its low production numbers and wild-west history. When you combine the prestige of the CC mint mark with a rare die variety like the Tailbar, the market value naturally skyrockets.
Many people find these coins in old family safes or inheritance boxes without realizing they are holding a rarity. Using the CoinHix app can help you keep track of your collection and identify these subtle nuances that add hundreds or thousands of dollars to the price.
Current Market Prices for the 1890-CC Tailbar Variety
The value of this coin is heavily dependent on its “grade,” which refers to how much wear and tear the coin has seen over the last 130 years. Because the Tailbar is a recognized variety by the Top 100 VAM collectors, it carries a significant premium over the standard 1890-CC Morgan Dollar. Even in “Very Fine” condition, where most of the details are worn flat, this coin still commands a high price from specialists.
For those looking for the most accurate and up-to-date figures, checking a dedicated 1890 CC Tailbar Morgan Dollar price list is the best way to ensure you aren’t leaving money on the table if you decide to sell. Buyers are particularly aggressive for “Mint State” examples, which look like they just came off the press.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Very Fine (VF20-VF30) | $650 – $850 |
| Extremely Fine (EF40-EF45) | $1,100 – $1,400 |
| About Uncirculated (AU50-AU58) | $2,200 – $3,500 |
| Uncirculated (MS60-MS62) | $5,000 – $8,500 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS63-MS64+) | $12,000 – $25,000+ |
Identifying a Genuine 1890-CC Tailbar Morgan
Authenticity is everything when dealing with Carson City silver dollars. Because the 1890-CC Tailbar is so valuable, fakes and altered coins do exist. To verify yours, look closely at the reverse side of the coin where the eagle’s tail meets the arrow feathers. The “bar” should be a raised line of silver, not a scratch into the surface of the metal. If the line is recessed (sunken in), it is likely just damage and not the true variety.
The CC mint mark should be clear and well-spaced. If the mint mark looks “mushy” or added on, it might be a counterfeit. Many collectors use the CoinHix app to compare their coin’s appearance with authenticated high-resolution images. This helps amateur collectors distinguish between a common 1890 dollar and the high-value Tailbar variety.
If you find that your coin is the standard version without the tailbar, don’t worry—it’s still worth quite a bit! You can find a detailed breakdown of the 1890 Carson City Morgan Dollar value to see what the non-variety coins are currently selling for at auction.
How to Preserve the Value of Your Silver Dollar
Once you realize you have a valuable 1890-CC Tailbar, the first rule is: do not clean it! More coin value has been destroyed by baking soda, silver polish, and rags than by almost anything else. Cleaning a coin leaves microscopic scratches that professional graders can spot instantly, and it can reduce the value by 50% or more.
Instead, handle the coin only by the edges and place it in a PVC-free plastic flip or a coin capsule. Exposure to oils from your skin can cause “toning” or spotting over time. If your coin appears exceptionally shiny or has no wear on the eagle’s breast feathers, it might be worth sending to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. A certified grade ensures that you get the maximum amount of money when you are ready to sell.
Using tools like CoinHix can help you estimate the potential grade before you spend the money on professional certification fees. It’s an essential step for any “everyday” American who wants to act like a pro numismatist.
FAQ About the 1890-CC Tailbar Morgan Dollar
Q: Why is it called a “Tailbar” dollar?
A: It is named after a specific die error where a vertical bar-shaped gouge appears on the reverse of the coin, extending from the eagle’s tail feathers down toward the wreath.
Q: How many 1890-CC Tailbar coins were made?
A: While the total 1890-CC mintage was 2,309,041, only a small fraction were struck with the damaged die that created the Tailbar. It is considered a rare variety within the Carson City series.
Q: Where is the best place to sell an 1890-CC Tailbar Morgan Dollar?
A: Because of its high value, it is best sold through a reputable auction house or a specialized coin dealer. Avoid pawn shops, as they rarely pay the full collector premium for rare varieties like the Tailbar.
