The 1880/79-CC Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $150 in heavily circulated condition to over $50,000 for high-grade specimens. This Carson City rarity is a favorite among collectors due to its unique “overdate” and “transitional reverse” features that make it a true historical anomaly.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Good (G-4) to Very Good (VG-8)	$150 – $225
Fine (F-12) to Very Fine (VF-20)	$250 – $350
Extremely Fine (XF-45)	$450 – $550
About Uncirculated (AU-50+)	$600 – $950
Mint State (MS-63)	$3,500 – $4,800
Gem Mint State (MS-65+)	$40,000+

Identifying the 1880/79-CC Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar

If you have stumbled upon an old silver dollar from the Carson City mint, you might be holding a significant windfall. The 1880/79-CC Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar is a classic “mule” variety that requires a sharp eye to identify. Using a top coin identifier app can help you zoom in on the specific markers that separate this coin from more common strikes.

The primary identifier is the “overdate,” where the “80” digits of the date were punched over the “79” digits from the previous year. You can often see the remnants of the “7” underneath the second “8” in 1880. Additionally, this coin features the “Reverse of 1878,” also known as the “Flat Breasted Eagle” or “PAF” (Parallel Arrow Feathers).

Most modern collectors use tools like CoinKnow to organize their finds. This coin is particularly valuable because it represents a time when the Carson City Mint was reusing old dies to save costs, creating a permanent record of 19th-century industrial frugality. Seeing the “CC” mint mark under the eagle’s wreath is the first step toward confirming you have something special.

Understanding the “Reverse of 1878” vs. “Reverse of 1879”

To appreciate the rarity of this coin, you must understand the two different reverse designs used in 1880. The 1878 design (Top 100 VAM 4) features a flat-breasted eagle and a top arrow feather that is parallel to the others. The later 1879 design features a round-breasted eagle and a slanted top arrow feather.

The 1880/79-CC with the 1878 reverse is significantly scarcer than the version with the 1879 reverse. When checking the 1880-CC Morgan Dollar price guide, you will notice a substantial premium for the “Parallel Arrow Feather” (PAF) variety.

Because these distinctions are subtle, beginner collectors often confuse them. CoinKnow allows users to compare high-resolution images of various reverse styles, making it easier to spot the flat eagle breast. If you see two “C” letters above the “D” and “O” in “DOLLAR,” you are looking at the legendary Carson City mint mark.

Feature	Reverse of 1878 (Rare)	Reverse of 1879 (Common)
Eagle’s Breast	Concave / Flat	Convex / Rounded
Top Arrow Feather	Straight / Parallel	Slanted
Wreath Hub	Small Leaves	Larger Leaves

Grading and How It Impacts Market Value

In the world of coin collecting, condition is everything. A heavily worn 1880/79-CC Morgan Dollar might sell for a few hundred dollars, but one that looks like it just left the mint can fetch more than a luxury car. Collectors use a 70-point scale to determine grade, with “MS” standing for Mint State.

According to historical 1880-CC silver dollar value trends, coins in MS-65 or higher are exceptionally rare for the Overdate/1878 Reverse variety. Most of these coins were bagged and stored in Treasury vaults for decades, leading to “bag marks”—scratches from coins clashing against each other.

To get an accurate estimate, many users turn to CoinKnow to look up recent auction results for specific grades. Professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC is highly recommended for this variety, as authentication is necessary to realize the full market price. Even a one-point difference in grade can mean a swing of thousands of dollars in value.

Grade (PCGS/NGC)	Approximate Market Price
MS-60 (Uncirculated)	$2,800
MS-62 (No wear, some marks)	$3,650
MS-64 (Choice Uncirculated)	$9,500
MS-65 (Gem Condition)	$48,500

The Carson City Mint History and the 1880 Mintage

The Carson City Mint (CC) is the most storied of all U.S. minting facilities. Located near the Comstock Lode in Nevada, it was established to convert silver directly from the mines into coinage. The 1880 mintage was relatively low compared to the Philadelphia or New Orleans mints, with only 591,000 Morgan Dollars produced in total across all varieties.

The 1880/79-CC dual variety exists because the mint was under pressure to produce coins quickly. Rather than waiting for new 1880 dies to arrive from Philadelphia, local engravers took 1879-dated dies and simply hammered an “80” over the date. This creates the “8 over 7” effect that drives modern collectors into a frenzy.

The “Reverse of 1878” part of the equation is even more interesting. It indicates that the mint used a reverse die hub that had been technically retired. These “transitional” coins are snapshots of a time when the U.S. Mint was transitioning its aesthetic standards. Because so few survived in high grades, they remain a “bucket list” item for serious numismatists.

How to Spot Counterfeits and Altered Coins

With values reaching into the five-figure range, the 1880/79-CC Reverse of 1878 is a prime target for counterfeiters. Some scammers will take a common 1880 Philadelphia dollar and try to solder on a “CC” mint mark. Others may try to polish a worn coin to make it look like a high-grade Mint State specimen.

Genuine Carson City coins have a specific “look”—often described as a frosty luster or a creamy texture. You should look for the clear remnants of the 7 under the 8. If the date looks too perfect or the “CC” mint mark looks lumpy or crooked, the coin may be a fake.

Always use a high-quality magnifying loupe or a digital microscope to inspect the mint mark area. If you are unsure, apps like CoinKnow can provide reference images of known authentic examples for comparison. When in doubt, never buy an uncertified (raw) 1880-CC for a high price; only trust coins that have been slabbed by reputable grading companies.

Checklist Item	What to Look For
Mint Mark Sharpness	Clear, distinct “CC” with no seam lines around letters.
The Overdate	Look for the crossbar of the “7” inside the top loop of the “0”.
Weight & Diameter	Should be exactly 26.73 grams and 38.1 mm.
The Eagle’s Breast	Must be flat (not rounded) for the 1878 reverse variety.

Why This Coin is a Solid Investment

Historically, Carson City Morgan Dollars have been among the most stable investments in the coin market. While common silver coins may fluctuate with the price of bullion, rare varieties like the 1880/79-CC Reverse of 1878 tend to appreciate based on their numismatic scarcity.

The GSA Hoard sale in the 1970s brought many Carson City dollars to the public, but the specific Overdate/PAF variety remains elusive in high grades. As more people enter the hobby, the demand for “Key Date” and “Major Variety” coins continues to outpace the supply.

Whether you are a seasoned investor or someone who just found a collection in the attic, understanding the technical details of this coin is vital. Keeping a digital inventory and price tracker like CoinKnow can help you monitor the value of your collection as market conditions change.

FAQ

Q: How many 1880/79-CC Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollars were made?

A: While the total 1880-CC mintage was 591,000, it is estimated that only a fraction of those were the Reverse of 1878 overdate variety. Exact mintage figures for this specific variety are unknown, but price action suggests they are quite rare compared to the standard 1880-CC.

Q: Can I find this coin in change?

A: It is extremely unlikely to find a Carson City Morgan Dollar in pocket change today. These coins are 90% silver and have been out of circulation for nearly a century. Most are found in estate sales, safe deposit boxes, or inherited collections.

Q: What is the most expensive 1880/79-CC Morgan ever sold?

A: High-grade specimens in MS-65 or MS-66 can sell for over $50,000 at major auction houses like Heritage Auctions. The price depends heavily on “eye appeal” and the clarity of the overdate.

Q: What does “VAM” mean for this coin?

A: VAM refers to Van Allen-Mallis, the researchers who categorized every known die variety of Morgan Dollars. The 1880/79-CC Reverse of 1878 is most commonly associated with VAM 4.