Guidelines for Collecting:

The 1880-CC Morgan dollar was minted in two varieties: the Reverse of 1878 (PAF), with flat breast and parallel top arrow feather, as shown here, and the Reverse of 1879, (SAF), with slanted top arrow feather. Of the two, the reverse of 1878 is several times scarcer, but there are enough in the marketplace that finding a choice example should not be too much of a challenge. The strike is generally quite good, with well-defined feathers and typically with attractive frosty surfaces. It is likely that between 10% and 20% of all Mint State 1880-CC Morgan dollars are of this variety.

1880-CC, Reverse of 1878

1880-CC, Reverse of 1879

Availability in Circulated Grades:

The 1880-CC dollar is available in every grade from well-worn VG or so right up to AU.

Availability in Mint State Grades:

Readily available in Mint State up to and including MS-65; there are also plenty of Uncirculated pieces graded finer than MS-65, and specialists tend to zero in on these when available. Look for a pleasing MS-64 example with a minimal amount of contact marks on the surfaces.

Availability in Proof:

None produced.

1880-CC Reverse of 1878 with 80 over 79 and also with 8/7:

These, made in several die combinations for circulation, represent the use in 1880 of 1879-dated and 187 partially-dated dies that were on hand in the die department of the Philadelphia Mint. A Guide Book of United States Coins lists these.

1880-CC, Reverse of 1878 80 Over 79	1880-CC, Reverse of 1878 80 Over 79
1880-CC, Reverse of 1878 0 Over 9	1880-CC, Reverse of 1878 0 Over 9

The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in the August 2019 ANA Auction, where it realized $26,400.

1880-CC, Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar Auction Highlights

1880-CC Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar PCGS MS-67 Sold for $26,400   View Lot 5249

1880-CC Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar PCGS MS-67 Sold for $19,200   View Lot 1228

1880-CC Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar PCGS MS-66 Sold for $5,280   View Lot 9062