How Much Is an 1889-CC Morgan Dollar Worth?
Why the 1889-CC Morgan Dollar Is Special
The 1889-CC Morgan dollar is not just another old silver dollar. It was struck at the Carson City Mint, a branch mint that collectors already love because of its western history, lower mintages, and strong demand. The 1889-CC issue is especially important because only 350,000 were made, and far fewer survive today in collectible condition.
This coin came after the Carson City Mint had been inactive for several years. Because of that gap, and because the issue was not saved in large Treasury hoards like some other Carson City dates, the 1889-CC became one of the toughest Morgan dollars to locate. Stack's Bowers describes Mint State examples as especially elusive, and PCGS lists the issue with an auction record of $881,250 for an MS68 example.
1889-CC Morgan Dollar Value by Grade
Values change with the market, so treat any price as a guide, not a guarantee. Still, the 1889-CC is valuable enough that condition makes a dramatic difference. NGC's May 2026 guide places circulated examples across a wide range, and current retail/value guides often show lower circulated coins starting around the high hundreds to low thousands, with better circulated pieces climbing quickly.
- Good to Very Good: often a four-figure coin if genuine and problem-free.
- Fine to Very Fine: commonly worth more than a typical Morgan dollar by a huge margin because demand is strong in every grade.
- Extremely Fine to AU: can sell for several thousand dollars to well into five figures, especially with original surfaces.
- Mint State: scarce and expensive. Lower Mint State examples can be major purchases, while high-grade certified coins can become trophy-level Morgan dollars.
Where Is the CC Mint Mark?
On an 1889-CC Morgan dollar, the mint mark is on the reverse. Look below the wreath and above the letters DO in DOLLAR. A genuine Carson City dollar should have a clear CC mint mark in that location. If there is no mint mark, the coin is the much more common Philadelphia 1889 Morgan dollar, not the Carson City key date.
Because the 1889-CC is valuable, altered mint marks and counterfeit coins are a real concern. Do not rely on the date alone. Compare the mint mark position, weight, diameter, edge, design sharpness, and surface quality. A genuine Morgan dollar should weigh about 26.73 grams, measure 38.1 mm, and have a reeded edge.
What Hurts the Value?
Cleaning is one of the biggest value killers. A cleaned 1889-CC can still be worth money, but it may sell for much less than a straight-graded example with natural surfaces. Harsh scratches, rim damage, artificial toning, environmental damage, and questionable mint marks can also hurt buyer confidence.
For this date, certification matters. If you believe you have an 1889-CC Morgan dollar, professional authentication through PCGS, NGC, or another respected grading service is usually worth considering before selling. The coin is valuable enough that a buyer will often pay more confidently when the coin is authenticated and graded.
Should You Sell or Grade It?
If the coin is clearly worn but genuine, it may still be worth grading because buyers want protection on high-value key dates. If it looks AU or Mint State, authentication becomes even more important. Avoid cleaning it, rubbing it, dipping it, or trying to improve the appearance before an expert sees it. With 1889-CC Morgan dollars, originality can matter almost as much as sharp detail.