Diagnostic Controls & Presets Final Carson City Mint Morgan Dollar
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
The 1893-CC holds a legendary status in American silver dollar collecting. Struck during the panic of 1893, President Grover Cleveland revoked the Sherman Silver Purchase Act, forcing the closure of the Carson City Mint's coining operations in mid-1893 after striking merely 677,000 silver dollars.
Nsurviving(t) = M0 × e-(λcirc + λPittman) × t
Where:
• M0 = Original 1893 Carson City mintage (677,000 coins)
• λcirc = Annual circulation attrition coefficient (~0.012 yr⁻¹)
• λPittman = 1918 Pittman Act silver melt attrition (~0.48)
⇒ Estimated Mint State Census: ~3,500 to 4,200 specimens across all grades (less than 0.6% of original mintage).
I(θ) = I0 × [ cos2(θ - θflow) × Rparallel + sin2(θ - θflow) × Rperpendicular ]
Where radial microscopic metal flow lines created during the 140-ton strike reflect incident light perpendicular to the die radius, producing the trademark rotating cross-pattern indicative of uncirculated Mint State surfaces.
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
Sole finest certified specimen at PCGS with CAC endorsement. Pristine fields with booming white luster and razor-sharp breast feathers.
Exquisite VAM-2 variety with the horizontal die gouge clearly visible within the second C. Light champagne peripheral toning.
Classic Choice Uncirculated survivor. Clean cheek with minimal bag contact and exceptional eye appeal for the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 1893-CC Morgan Dollar so special?
The 1893-CC is the final year of Morgan silver dollar production at the beloved Carson City Mint in Nevada. Only 677,000 pieces were struck before the mint was permanently shuttered for coinage under the repeal of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act.
What is the VAM-2 variety on the 1893-CC?
VAM-2 is the famous 'Line in Mintmark' variety. It exhibits a distinct raised horizontal die line inside the upper opening of the second 'C' in the 'CC' mintmark, caused by an engraver's gouge on the working die.
How many 1893-CC Morgan Dollars survive in Mint State today?
Numismatic experts estimate that only approximately 3,500 to 4,200 specimens survive in Uncirculated (MS-60 or better) condition, with gems (MS-65 or higher) exceedingly rare with fewer than 75 certified.
Were 1893-CC Morgan Dollars released in the GSA Hoard?
Only ONE single 1893-CC Morgan Dollar was found in the massive General Services Administration (GSA) hoard of the 1970s. Unlike 1882-CC, 1883-CC, or 1884-CC, the 1893-CC was almost completely distributed into commercial channels in the 1890s.
How can you detect an added 'CC' mintmark counterfeit?
Counterfeiters frequently alter genuine common 1893 Philadelphia coins (which lack a mintmark) by embossing or soldering bogus 'CC' letters. Authenticity checks require microscopic examination under 30x magnification to inspect for tooling marks, solder seams, or mismatched die alignment.
What is the weight and silver purity of the 1893-CC?
The coin weighs 26.73 grams with a diameter of 38.1 mm. It consists of 90% silver and 10% copper, containing 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver.
What is the auction record for an 1893-CC Morgan Dollar?
The auction record stands at $360,000, achieved in August 2020 by Stack's Bowers Galleries for a magnificent PCGS MS-66+ CAC specimen.