Guidelines for Collecting:

The 1889-CC in Mint State is the most elusive Carson City Morgan dollar and far surpasses its closest rivals, the 1879-CC and 1893-CC, in rarity. Offerings of higher-grade coins are apt to be one at a time instead of by the roll or bag. Relatively few coins were released for circulation in the year of mintage. The 1889-CC is very rare in worn grades. In 1992, the coin in worn grades was the second most valuable, after the 1893-S among circulation strike Morgan dollars. Mint State 1889-CC pieces are few and far between. Coins usually show an average strike at best. The luster varies from shallow to satiny to frosty.

Availability in Circulated Grades:

This rare date can be found in circulated grades on occasion, running the gamut from well-worn Good to AU with many of the survivors in the EF-AU range. Far more collections have circulated examples than have Uncirculated coins.

Availability in Mint State Grades:

A rare prize in Mint State, this date is often found prooflike. MS-60 to 62 are the grades typically encountered, and anything above that level is a remarkable coin indeed. Gems exist but are priced at lofty levels out of the reach of most collectors. If a Mint State-63 coin can be found with not too many bagmarks and solid design details, and if your bank account is well fortified, by all means snap it up!

Availability in Proof:

None produced.

The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in the March 2021 Showcase Auction, where it realized $50,400.

1889-CC Morgan Dollar Auction Highlights

1889-CC Morgan Dollar PCGS MS-68 Sold for $881,250   View Lot 4374

1889-CC Morgan Dollar NGC MS-65 PL Sold for $324,000   View Lot 6344

1889-CC Morgan Dollar NGC MS-65 Sold for $199,750   View Lot 11066