Expert: Dan Moore - 2/4/2008

Question
My father-in-law "John"(who is 94), asked me to liquidate all his collector coins after 64 years collecting. He needs the funds.  Amongst his hundreds of old coins, I came across an 1878 CC Morgan, in quite excellent condition.  He says he remembers cleaning the face side in the early 60's, but can't remember with what. Has some very fine hairline scratches from what ever he cleaned it with, but it's in very good condition. The back is dark silver with a  rainbow type look(he never got to clean the back).  Probably in XF 40 or better condition. I'm not skilled at grading but from what I read, it seems like it.  

John's had this coin since the mid 1930's from his father Otto, who also collected coins for many years.  

Q. In looking at the cc markings, the type-set is slightly smaller than my other CC Morgans.  Type character seems similar to the larger type style, just a bit smaller.
(Type looks original and does not look doctored up)

I would appreciate your feedback  

Answer
William,

The smaller CC's on the 1878 is not unusual -- I have seen that before.

The polishing your dad did will hurt the value of the coin.

Without the polishing I would estimate value at about $85 -- polished & hairlined, its value is probably more like $50

I hope this helps,

Dan