Expert: Joe Hylas - 12/13/2008

Question
Hi Joe, and thank you for your time!  I have a 1898 CC (STAMP ON BACK ABOVE THE O meaning Carson City.  However, I know from research that they had stopped production there prior to 1898.  So...how in the heck did I get a coin that is a 1898 u.s. silver dollar the has the "cc" stamp on the back if they were not being made there at that time.  Is this a mint error, or a rare coin.  Thanks again!
Sincerely, Jeff  P.S.  I will vote for you!

Answer
Hi Jeff,

I don't know how long you have owned the coin, but I can tell you that there have been a lot of counterfeits coming out of China over the past 3-4 years.  Many of these had the wrong designs or mintmarks normally associated with Morgan dollars.

I know of no instance where an 1898 Morgan was struck at the Carson City Mint.  Funny thing is that 1889-CC Morgans are quite rare so maybe this is one of those China counterfeits.

The coin would have to be inspected but maybe if you can get a good digital photo, full obverse and reverse, as well as a close up of the mintmark, I may be able to save you some legwork.

Email me directly at JoeHylas@aol.com

Best Regards
Joe Hylas
www.AllCoins.US
OMEGA PRECIOUS METALS, Inc.