1884-CC $1 MS65 Certification #58783874, PCGS #7152

A magnificent gem Carson City Morgan whose extraordinary originality, booming cartwheel luster, and dramatic natural toning combine to produce an example of exceptional visual distinction. The softly contrasted obverse presents an almost cameo-like appearance, while the richly textured reverse displays the kind of complex peripheral patina that has made beautifully preserved Carson City dollars perennial favorites among advanced collectors. The obverse immediately commands attention through its striking interplay of brilliant silver frost and deeply matured peripheral color. Liberty's portrait remains largely brilliant, standing in bold relief against a surrounding frame of charcoal-gray, chestnut, amber, cobalt, and olive patina concentrated along the borders and within portions of the legend. The effect is almost cameo-like, with the luminous central portrait emerging from a naturally darkened frame. Delicate russet and golden accents scattered throughout the fields contribute additional warmth without disrupting the remarkable balance of the composition. The reverse is equally compelling, though markedly different in character. Here the original patina develops as an intricate tapestry of warm amber, mahogany, violet, olive, and deep cobalt concentrated around the rim and interspersed through the fields in an organic, almost mineral-like pattern. The colorful oxidation frames the boldly struck eagle while preserving vibrant underlying brilliance, resulting in exceptional visual depth and unmistakable originality. Strike quality is outstanding throughout. Liberty's hair is crisply rendered from forehead to ear, the cotton blossoms and leaves exhibit bold definition, and the reverse eagle displays sharp breast feather detail with fully articulated wings and wreath. Every major design element reflects the excellent die preparation and striking quality for which many surviving Carson City Morgan dollars are admired. Luster is unquestionably among the coin's defining attributes. Powerful frosty cartwheel brilliance radiates across both sides, remaining vibrant despite the extensive natural toning. Unlike coins whose color suppresses reflectivity, this specimen retains tremendous vitality beneath its original patina, creating a dynamic interaction between light and color that continuously changes as the coin is rotated.

Ron Guth

The 1884-CC is one of the most common dates in the entire series, but because of the CC mintmark, it continues to generate a strong collector premium.  Most 1844-CC Dollars come from the hoard of dollars found in the Treasury in the 1960's and sold to collectors in the late 1970's and early 1980's.  The vast majority of 1884-CC Dollars grade MS-64, with a slightly smaller number in MS-63.  Gems are also plentiful but become very scarce in MS-67.  The finest examples certified by PCGS as of March 2011 are three MS-68's.