Counterfeit Coin Detection – 1889-CC Morgan Dollar With Added Mintmark

The 1889-CC Morgan Dollar is one of the most sought-after coins in U.S. numismatic history. As the rarest and most valuable Carson City Morgan Dollar, its appeal is rooted in its low mintage of only 350,000 coins and its place in the lore of the Old West. This scarcity makes the coin highly coveted among collectors—and a prime target for counterfeiters. One of the most common forms of forgery involving the 1889-CC Morgan Dollar is the alteration of coins to add a fake CC mintmark to Morgan Dollars from other mints.

Historical Background of the 1889-CC Morgan Dollar

The Carson City Mint, located in Nevada, was renowned for producing coins that became emblematic of the Western mining boom. By 1889, the mint was nearing the end of its operational life, and the 1889-CC Morgan Dollar marked its first silver dollar production after a hiatus since 1885. Unfortunately, this production run was short-lived, as the Carson City Mint ceased minting Morgan Dollars after that year. The low mintage combined with its Western mystique has made the 1889-CC the crown jewel of Carson City Morgan Dollars.

Common Counterfeiting Methods: Added Mintmarks

The most common counterfeit technique for the 1889-CC Morgan Dollar involves the addition of a counterfeit CC mintmark to a genuine coin struck at another mint, such as the Philadelphia Mint (which struck millions of 1889 Morgan Dollars). Here’s how these alterations are typically carried out:

  1. Stamping a Fake Mintmark: A counterfeit CC mintmark is stamped onto the reverse of a Philadelphia-struck 1889 Morgan Dollar. This is often done using a crude die or a punch tool.
  2. Removing and Replacing Mintmarks: Counterfeiters may also remove the original mintmark from a Morgan Dollar struck at a different mint, such as an 1889-O (New Orleans Mint), and replace it with a counterfeit CC mintmark.
  3. Die Alterations: Some counterfeiters go further, creating entirely new dies with the CC mintmark added to the design. Coins struck with these dies can appear convincing but often show discrepancies in details and alignment.
  4. Metal Alterations: In rarer cases, counterfeiters might attempt to use base metals or plated coins, but these are easier to detect due to their weight and composition differences.

How to Detect Counterfeit 1889-CC Morgan Dollars

Detecting an 1889-CC Morgan Dollar with an added mintmark requires attention to detail and some tools. Here’s how you can spot a counterfeit:

  1. Examine the Mintmark:
    The Carson City mintmark (CC) on genuine coins was hand-punched into the dies, so no two mintmarks are exactly alike. Counterfeit mintmarks often appear too uniform, poorly aligned, or raised above the surface of the coin. Use a magnifier to inspect the mintmark closely for irregularities.
  2. Check for Tool Marks:
    When a counterfeit mintmark is added, tool marks may be visible around the area where the mintmark has been altered. These marks may appear as scratches, indentations, or inconsistencies on the coin’s surface.
  3. Study Known Die Varieties:
    Genuine 1889-CC Morgan Dollars are known to have specific die varieties, including slight differences in the placement and orientation of the mintmark. Reference materials like the VAM (Van Allen-Mallis) Guide can help identify if a coin matches known die pairings.
  4. Weigh the Coin:
    Authentic Morgan Dollars weigh 26.73 grams and are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Any deviation in weight could indicate a counterfeit.

Conclusion

The 1889-CC Morgan Dollar is a prized piece of American numismatic history, but its desirability makes it a frequent target for counterfeiters. The most common fraud involves adding a fake CC mintmark to coins struck at other mints, but careful examination of the mintmark, weight, and die characteristics can help detect such forgeries. When in doubt, always seek the opinion of a trusted expert or third-party grading service to ensure the coin you’re purchasing is genuine. By staying informed, collectors can safeguard their investments and continue to enjoy the beauty and history of this iconic coin.

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FAQs

1. Why is the 1889-CC Morgan Dollar so valuable?

The 1889-CC Morgan Dollar is highly valuable due to its low mintage of only 350,000 coins, making it the rarest Carson City Morgan Dollar and a key date for collectors.

2. How can I identify a fake 1889-CC Morgan Dollar with an added mintmark?

Look for irregularities in the mintmark, such as poor alignment, tool marks, or inconsistencies with known die varieties. Using magnification and comparing with authenticated coins can help detect fakes.

3. Should I only buy 1889-CC Morgan Dollars with third-party certification?

Yes, purchasing from trusted dealers and ensuring the coin is certified by reputable grading services like PCGS or NGC can significantly reduce the risk of buying a counterfeit.

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