The 1880/79-CC Reverse of 1878 GSA Morgan Dollar graded MS64 by NGC represents one of the more technically interesting entries in the Carson City Morgan series. Struck in 90% silver and weighing 0.7734 troy ounces, this coin carries a layered identity rooted in an overdate die pairing and an earlier reverse design, both of which distinguish it within the broader Morgan Dollar series. Its NGC MS64 grade places it firmly in the choice uncirculated tier, where luster and strike quality are strong with only minimal surface distraction.
GSA Morgans were distributed through a federal government sale conducted in the 1970s, during which hundreds of thousands of Carson City Morgan Dollars were released from Treasury vaults after decades of storage. Many were offered in original GSA hard plastic holders, giving collectors a documented connection to that distribution event. We carry this coin as part of our broader numismatic offering, where certified Morgan Dollars occupy a consistent place due to sustained collector demand.
The Morgan Dollar series was introduced in 1878 following the Bland-Allison Act, w
…The 1880/79-CC Reverse of 1878 GSA Morgan Dollar graded MS64 by NGC represents one of the more technically interesting entries in the Carson City Morgan series. Struck in 90% silver and weighing 0.7734 troy ounces, this coin carries a layered identity rooted in an overdate die pairing and an earlier reverse design, both of which distinguish it within the broader Morgan Dollar series. Its NGC MS64 grade places it firmly in the choice uncirculated tier, where luster and strike quality are strong with only minimal surface distraction.
GSA Morgans were distributed through a federal government sale conducted in the 1970s, during which hundreds of thousands of Carson City Morgan Dollars were released from Treasury vaults after decades of storage. Many were offered in original GSA hard plastic holders, giving collectors a documented connection to that distribution event. We carry this coin as part of our broader numismatic offering, where certified Morgan Dollars occupy a consistent place due to sustained collector demand.
The Morgan Dollar series was introduced in 1878 following the Bland-Allison Act, which mandated the resumption of silver dollar coinage. George T. Morgan designed the coin, and it was produced across multiple United States Mint facilities, including the Carson City Mint in Nevada. Carson City issues carry a natural premium tied to their lower mintages and their association with the American West during the height of silver mining activity in the region.
The 1880 Carson City Mintage is particularly notable for the variety of die marriages it includes, with the overdate 1880/79-CC being among the most recognized. The Reverse of 1878 distinction refers to the eagle's tail feathers and overall reverse design, which differs from the revised reverse introduced in 1879. The combination of the overdate and the earlier reverse creates a coin that attracts both variety collectors and Morgan specialists.
The GSA sales program, administered by the General Services Administration between 1972 and 1980, offered Carson City Morgars directly to the public from previously sealed Treasury bags. Coins that remained in their original GSA holders have maintained strong collector recognition. Those encapsulated by NGC offer the added benefit of third-party authentication layered on top of that historical distribution context.
The obverse presents a left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat ears and cotton blossoms, surrounded by thirteen stars and dated below the bust. The inscription "E PLURIBUS UNUM" appears along the top arc, and the word "LIBERTY" is inscribed on the cap's headband. Morgan's design is notable for its classical proportions, and at the MS64 level, the portrait typically shows full cheek luster with minimal breaks in the fields.
The Reverse of 1878 is distinguished from later reverse types by the eagle's tail feathers, which display eight feathers without the parallel lines visible in the 1879 revision. The eagle is depicted with wings spread, holding arrows and an olive branch, with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DOLLAR" completing the inscription. On a well-struck Carson City coin, the eagle's breast feathers and wing detail can show meaningful definition, particularly at this grade level.
The overdate itself, while not easily visible to the naked eye without magnification, is a die characteristic confirmed through variety attribution and reflected in NGC's designation. Under magnification, remnants of the underlying 79 date are discernible beneath the 80 punch, a feature that anchors this coin's numismatic identity as a die variety rather than simply a date and mint combination.
NGC certification provides the foundation of authentication for this coin. As an NGC authorized dealer, we work within a network of grading and authentication standards that ensure the coins we carry under third-party certification are exactly what they purport to be. The NGC holder contains tamper-evident construction and a unique certification number that can be verified directly through NGC's online registry.
The coin's 90% silver composition and 0.7734 troy ounce weight conform to the standard specifications mandated for Morgan Dollar production at the United States Mint. For a coin of this age and series, the combination of NGC certification and the established provenance of the GSA distribution program provides collectors with a strong foundation for confidence in what they are purchasing.
An NGC MS64 grade indicates a choice uncirculated coin with above-average strike and luster, but with slightly more contact marks or minor imperfections than would be required for MS65. On Carson City Morgans, MS64 is a meaningful grade because the mint's output was historically less consistent than Philadelphia issues, making well-struck and well-preserved examples at this tier genuinely collectible. The luster on an MS64 CC Morgan should show considerable originality, and the surfaces, while not pristine, should be free from distracting post-mint damage.
This coin ships in its NGC certified holder, which provides both physical protection and authentication documentation. The slab itself is the appropriate housing for this type of certified numismatic item, and we do not remove coins from their holders prior to shipping. The holder will be packed securely to prevent movement or impact during transit, and the certification number will be included for your reference and registry verification.
Pricing for a certified Morgan Dollar like this one reflects both the underlying silver value and a substantial numismatic premium above spot. The silver content of 0.7734 troy ounces provides a metal floor, but the actual market value of this coin is driven primarily by its variety designation, Carson City origin, GSA association, and NGC MS64 grade rather than by real-time spot price movement. This is a coin where numismatic demand plays a far more dominant role than metal price in determining market value.
The specific overdate attribution and Reverse of 1878 designation add another layer of value relative to a standard 1880-CC Morgan. Variety-attributed coins at a given grade level typically command premiums over non-attributed examples from the same date, reflecting the narrower supply of confirmed die marriages. Our pricing reflects current market conditions for certified Morgan variety coins, including wholesale activity and the demand patterns specific to this series.
NGC-certified Morgan Dollars enjoy strong secondary market recognition among dealers, auction houses, and private collectors. The combination of third-party authentication and variety attribution creates a well-defined product identity that supports consistent resale. Carson City Morgans, particularly those with die variety designations and GSA provenance, have a collector base that extends well beyond general silver buyers.
We operate within a two-way market, meaning customers who purchase certified numismatic coins through us can also discuss selling within the same framework. For a coin of this specificity, liquidity is most efficiently realized through the numismatic market rather than generic bullion channels, and understanding that distinction is part of evaluating any certified variety coin before purchase.
This particular coin occupies a niche that is difficult to fill with a standard Morgan Dollar purchase. The 1880/79-CC overdate paired with the Reverse of 1878 is a recognized variety with documented attribution, making it a defined collectible rather than a generic date coin. The MS64 grade places it in a tier that balances accessibility with genuine quality, and the GSA association connects it to a specific chapter of American numismatic history that collectors of the series actively seek.
For a collector building a Carson City Morgan set or a variety collector targeting confirmed die marriages, this coin represents a specific and documented example with NGC authentication backing every claim. The combination of meaningful grade, variety designation, and documented government distribution history gives this coin a layered identity that a generic uncirculated Morgan simply cannot replicate.
We are an authorized dealer for both NGC and PCGS, which means certified coins we carry are handled and represented within the standards those grading services expect of their dealer network. Our A rating with the Better Business Bureau and membership in both the American Numismatic Association and the National Coin and Bullion Association reflect a commitment to professional standards that extend across every product category we offer, including certified numismatic coins.
Our pricing is structured around real-time market conditions rather than fixed retail margins, and our transparent approach to the bid/ask relationship means you can evaluate what you are paying relative to where the market sits on both sides of the transaction. We believe that an informed buyer is a confident buyer, and that confidence is built through clear information, not pressure. Whether you are adding to a Morgan Dollar collection or making your first variety purchase, our goal is to make that process straightforward and well-supported from start to finish.
Bullion Standard Pro gives members access to live, executable wholesale bid and ask pricing across our catalog, along with real-time portfolio valuation based on current wholesale bid levels. For certified numismatic coins, this creates meaningful transparency by allowing members to see how market conditions, premium levels, and bid/ask spreads evolve over time on specific products rather than relying on static price estimates.
Pro members also gain access to proprietary research and comparison tools that allow products to be evaluated side by side using metrics like historical premiums, spread tightness, and liquidity characteristics. For variety-attributed coins where pricing can shift meaningfully based on collector demand and market activity, having access to objective data rather than marketing claims is a practical advantage when deciding when and what to buy.
We support a full range of payment methods to make purchasing straightforward and secure. Accepted options include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, bank-connected payments through Plaid, wire transfer, paper check, and cryptocurrency via BitPay. Each method is integrated into a secure checkout environment designed to protect your transaction at every step.
Whether you prefer the convenience of a major credit card or the efficiency of a wire transfer for a larger purchase, we have structured our payment options to give you flexibility without sacrificing security. The same commitment to a straightforward and transparent experience that applies to our pricing extends to every part of the transaction process.
Product ID: BST-0020196BE0
| Year | 1880 |
|---|---|
| Precious Metal Type | Silver |
| Bullion Coin Type | Morgan Dollar |
| Format | Coin |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Brand/Mint | U.S. Mint |
| Mint Mark | CC - Carson City |
| Purity | 0.9 |
| Weight | 0.7734 oz |
| Thickness (mm) | 2.4 mm |
| Diameter (mm) | 38.1 mm |
| Inner Pack (Quantity) | 20 |
| Grade | MS64 |
| Grading Service | NGC |
The 1880/79-CC Reverse of 1878 GSA Morgan Dollar graded MS64 by NGC represents one of the more technically interesting entries in the Carson City Morgan series. Struck in 90% silver and weighing 0.7734 troy ounces, this coin carries a layered identity rooted in an overdate die pairing and an earlier reverse design, both of which distinguish it within the broader Morgan Dollar series. Its NGC MS64 grade places it firmly in the choice uncirculated tier, where luster and strike quality are strong with only minimal surface distraction.
GSA Morgans were distributed through a federal government sale conducted in the 1970s, during which hundreds of thousands of Carson City Morgan Dollars were released from Treasury vaults after decades of storage. Many were offered in original GSA hard plastic holders, giving collectors a documented connection to that distribution event. We carry this coin as part of our broader numismatic offering, where certified Morgan Dollars occupy a consistent place due to sustained collector demand.
The Morgan Dollar series was introduced in 1878 following the Bland-Allison Act, w
…The 1880/79-CC Reverse of 1878 GSA Morgan Dollar graded MS64 by NGC represents one of the more technically interesting entries in the Carson City Morgan series. Struck in 90% silver and weighing 0.7734 troy ounces, this coin carries a layered identity rooted in an overdate die pairing and an earlier reverse design, both of which distinguish it within the broader Morgan Dollar series. Its NGC MS64 grade places it firmly in the choice uncirculated tier, where luster and strike quality are strong with only minimal surface distraction.
GSA Morgans were distributed through a federal government sale conducted in the 1970s, during which hundreds of thousands of Carson City Morgan Dollars were released from Treasury vaults after decades of storage. Many were offered in original GSA hard plastic holders, giving collectors a documented connection to that distribution event. We carry this coin as part of our broader numismatic offering, where certified Morgan Dollars occupy a consistent place due to sustained collector demand.
The Morgan Dollar series was introduced in 1878 following the Bland-Allison Act, which mandated the resumption of silver dollar coinage. George T. Morgan designed the coin, and it was produced across multiple United States Mint facilities, including the Carson City Mint in Nevada. Carson City issues carry a natural premium tied to their lower mintages and their association with the American West during the height of silver mining activity in the region.
The 1880 Carson City Mintage is particularly notable for the variety of die marriages it includes, with the overdate 1880/79-CC being among the most recognized. The Reverse of 1878 distinction refers to the eagle's tail feathers and overall reverse design, which differs from the revised reverse introduced in 1879. The combination of the overdate and the earlier reverse creates a coin that attracts both variety collectors and Morgan specialists.
The GSA sales program, administered by the General Services Administration between 1972 and 1980, offered Carson City Morgars directly to the public from previously sealed Treasury bags. Coins that remained in their original GSA holders have maintained strong collector recognition. Those encapsulated by NGC offer the added benefit of third-party authentication layered on top of that historical distribution context.
The obverse presents a left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat ears and cotton blossoms, surrounded by thirteen stars and dated below the bust. The inscription "E PLURIBUS UNUM" appears along the top arc, and the word "LIBERTY" is inscribed on the cap's headband. Morgan's design is notable for its classical proportions, and at the MS64 level, the portrait typically shows full cheek luster with minimal breaks in the fields.
The Reverse of 1878 is distinguished from later reverse types by the eagle's tail feathers, which display eight feathers without the parallel lines visible in the 1879 revision. The eagle is depicted with wings spread, holding arrows and an olive branch, with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DOLLAR" completing the inscription. On a well-struck Carson City coin, the eagle's breast feathers and wing detail can show meaningful definition, particularly at this grade level.
The overdate itself, while not easily visible to the naked eye without magnification, is a die characteristic confirmed through variety attribution and reflected in NGC's designation. Under magnification, remnants of the underlying 79 date are discernible beneath the 80 punch, a feature that anchors this coin's numismatic identity as a die variety rather than simply a date and mint combination.
NGC certification provides the foundation of authentication for this coin. As an NGC authorized dealer, we work within a network of grading and authentication standards that ensure the coins we carry under third-party certification are exactly what they purport to be. The NGC holder contains tamper-evident construction and a unique certification number that can be verified directly through NGC's online registry.
The coin's 90% silver composition and 0.7734 troy ounce weight conform to the standard specifications mandated for Morgan Dollar production at the United States Mint. For a coin of this age and series, the combination of NGC certification and the established provenance of the GSA distribution program provides collectors with a strong foundation for confidence in what they are purchasing.
An NGC MS64 grade indicates a choice uncirculated coin with above-average strike and luster, but with slightly more contact marks or minor imperfections than would be required for MS65. On Carson City Morgans, MS64 is a meaningful grade because the mint's output was historically less consistent than Philadelphia issues, making well-struck and well-preserved examples at this tier genuinely collectible. The luster on an MS64 CC Morgan should show considerable originality, and the surfaces, while not pristine, should be free from distracting post-mint damage.
This coin ships in its NGC certified holder, which provides both physical protection and authentication documentation. The slab itself is the appropriate housing for this type of certified numismatic item, and we do not remove coins from their holders prior to shipping. The holder will be packed securely to prevent movement or impact during transit, and the certification number will be included for your reference and registry verification.
Pricing for a certified Morgan Dollar like this one reflects both the underlying silver value and a substantial numismatic premium above spot. The silver content of 0.7734 troy ounces provides a metal floor, but the actual market value of this coin is driven primarily by its variety designation, Carson City origin, GSA association, and NGC MS64 grade rather than by real-time spot price movement. This is a coin where numismatic demand plays a far more dominant role than metal price in determining market value.
The specific overdate attribution and Reverse of 1878 designation add another layer of value relative to a standard 1880-CC Morgan. Variety-attributed coins at a given grade level typically command premiums over non-attributed examples from the same date, reflecting the narrower supply of confirmed die marriages. Our pricing reflects current market conditions for certified Morgan variety coins, including wholesale activity and the demand patterns specific to this series.
NGC-certified Morgan Dollars enjoy strong secondary market recognition among dealers, auction houses, and private collectors. The combination of third-party authentication and variety attribution creates a well-defined product identity that supports consistent resale. Carson City Morgans, particularly those with die variety designations and GSA provenance, have a collector base that extends well beyond general silver buyers.
We operate within a two-way market, meaning customers who purchase certified numismatic coins through us can also discuss selling within the same framework. For a coin of this specificity, liquidity is most efficiently realized through the numismatic market rather than generic bullion channels, and understanding that distinction is part of evaluating any certified variety coin before purchase.
This particular coin occupies a niche that is difficult to fill with a standard Morgan Dollar purchase. The 1880/79-CC overdate paired with the Reverse of 1878 is a recognized variety with documented attribution, making it a defined collectible rather than a generic date coin. The MS64 grade places it in a tier that balances accessibility with genuine quality, and the GSA association connects it to a specific chapter of American numismatic history that collectors of the series actively seek.
For a collector building a Carson City Morgan set or a variety collector targeting confirmed die marriages, this coin represents a specific and documented example with NGC authentication backing every claim. The combination of meaningful grade, variety designation, and documented government distribution history gives this coin a layered identity that a generic uncirculated Morgan simply cannot replicate.
We are an authorized dealer for both NGC and PCGS, which means certified coins we carry are handled and represented within the standards those grading services expect of their dealer network. Our A rating with the Better Business Bureau and membership in both the American Numismatic Association and the National Coin and Bullion Association reflect a commitment to professional standards that extend across every product category we offer, including certified numismatic coins.
Our pricing is structured around real-time market conditions rather than fixed retail margins, and our transparent approach to the bid/ask relationship means you can evaluate what you are paying relative to where the market sits on both sides of the transaction. We believe that an informed buyer is a confident buyer, and that confidence is built through clear information, not pressure. Whether you are adding to a Morgan Dollar collection or making your first variety purchase, our goal is to make that process straightforward and well-supported from start to finish.
Bullion Standard Pro gives members access to live, executable wholesale bid and ask pricing across our catalog, along with real-time portfolio valuation based on current wholesale bid levels. For certified numismatic coins, this creates meaningful transparency by allowing members to see how market conditions, premium levels, and bid/ask spreads evolve over time on specific products rather than relying on static price estimates.
Pro members also gain access to proprietary research and comparison tools that allow products to be evaluated side by side using metrics like historical premiums, spread tightness, and liquidity characteristics. For variety-attributed coins where pricing can shift meaningfully based on collector demand and market activity, having access to objective data rather than marketing claims is a practical advantage when deciding when and what to buy.
We support a full range of payment methods to make purchasing straightforward and secure. Accepted options include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, bank-connected payments through Plaid, wire transfer, paper check, and cryptocurrency via BitPay. Each method is integrated into a secure checkout environment designed to protect your transaction at every step.
Whether you prefer the convenience of a major credit card or the efficiency of a wire transfer for a larger purchase, we have structured our payment options to give you flexibility without sacrificing security. The same commitment to a straightforward and transparent experience that applies to our pricing extends to every part of the transaction process.