The so-called Reverse of 1878 subtype of the 1880-CC date accounts for approximately ten percent of all surviving specimens of this date. (It is important to note that the percentage is simply a guesstimate, as there is really no way of knowing for sure.)

Regarding the distinctions between the two major 1880-CC subtypes, here are some excerpts from The Confident Carson City Coin Collector: “The eagle’s body is where the differences [between the two major 1880-CC subtypes] are most easily identified. The Reverse of 1878 variety [or subtype] with its scrawny-looking eagle (flat breasted) is practically a mirror image of the reverse of the 1878-CC Morgan silver dollar. The Reverse of 1879 variety [or subtype] displays a plumper-looking eagle with a full (or rounded) breast.” Some collectors choose to include both subtypes in their “CC” Morgan dollar sets, while others are satisfied with only one example of the 1880-CC date, regardless of the variety (or subtype).

The NGC MS-64 1880-CC Rv. 78 GSA dollar offered here exhibits all-white and frosty surfaces on both sides. The obverse easily warrants the MS-64 grade. A few contact marks on the central left obverse field (mostly around stars 5 – 7) and on Lady Liberty’s lower cheek constrain it from a higher rating. The reverse qualifies for an MS-65 rating (if not higher), with only minimal contact marks visible—A couple of vertical scratches on the eagle’s upper left wing (facing) are the only ones worth mentioning.

Both sides of this coin feature bold details on all the highpoints.

This desirable piece will pleasingly fill the space for this interesting 1880-CC subtype in a well-matched GSA “CC” dollar set.

*Each GSA silver dollar includes a genuine GSA Certificate of Authenticity and a black box.