Picked this up today. Don't have my endoscope handy, so I apologize for the quality of these pics. Apparently, the variety I picked out is a large mint mark over small mint mark variety, which I'm trying to learn more about. Does the mint mark overage add any significant value? Also, I'm finding info about the large CC variety, but nothing about a small CC type? Would it be safe to grade this VG-8 or does it make it up to F-12 in your opinion?
@GeorgeM - It is probably the VAM-3, but @messydesk can probably tell you more about it. http://ec2-13-58-222-16.us-east-2.compute.amazonaws.com/wiki/1879-CC_VAM-3
This is called a capped die Search for that and you should find all the information you need. Nice coin VAM-3 I think
What jgrinz says: 1879 CC Morgan Dollars : CC Over CC - Capped Die Early Silver Dollars Mintage: 756,000 Minted at: Carson City Designer - Engraver: George T Morgan Metal Composition: 90% Silver - 10% Copper Diameter: 38.1 mm Mass / Weight: 26.73 grams What This Coin Looks Like (Obverse, Reverse, Mint Mark Location, Special Features, etc.):
Yes, VAM 3. The unfortunate nickname "Capped Die" has absolutely nothing to do with a die cap. I'm not sure where this name came from, but it was not Leroy Van Allen. He refers to it as Large over Small CC. In some background info on the date, he refers to the "so-called capped CC". I see the VAMWorld uses the term Capped Die where it shouldn't be. I'll correct that tonight.
Looks more like F than VG. The VAM 3 doesn't carry a premium over the normal mint mark, as it is the most common variety for the year. There was actually a time when it was discounted, since collectors wanted a "perfect CC" on their coin. The small CC was used in 1878. When the large CC was punched over it, it seems to have been a bit of a hack job, making a bit of a mess out of the die.
Nice coin I like it. All Morgans are worthy of recognition to me. I purchase but do not sell any of our Morgans. In my opinion It would be up to the grader but F-12 is not out of the question... Best of luck.
I fully agree but......you should see some of the 'Capped Die' prices on EBay. The way it's hyped up you'd think it was a rare specimen.
