Expert: Ronald Fern - 4/7/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1887 CC Morgan Silver Dollar that was given to me by my grandfather some forty years ago.It appears to be in mint condition. My coin books indicate that the CC Mint did not issue any coins in 1887. This coin does not appear to be altered in any way. Do you know anything about this coin?

ANSWER: Hi John:

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to answer your question.

There was no silver dollar minted with the "CC", Carson City, mint mark in 1887. Your coin may well be a genuine silver dollar that had a mint mark added to make it a "rarity". Another explanation is that it may be a replica coin from the orient (China). A key would be to compare your "CC" $1 to another genuine dollar without the mint mark. Compare the weight, size and thickness. Without a photo, or the coin specifics, it is difficult to pinpoint what you may have. If you want to ask a follow up question with a photo and/or added information, I'll revise my answer, as required.

As a modified coin, with the added mint mark, it is a novelty item, and worth not much more than the silver value, around $20. If it were a replica coin, not made of silver, it would be worth only a few dollars to an interested collector.

For more information on Morgan Dollars, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgan_Dollar

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. And check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Isn't a replica a copy of an original? Forty years ago we didn't have
much contact with China. I don't want to believe that my grandfather gave me a counterfit coin. It looks to good to be a fake. Your advice is greatly appreciated.  I see on E bay that there are replica 1887 coins offered but they are not silver and they are marked copy.

Answer
John:

Thanks for the follow-up question.

As I said in my original answer, a lot depends on the coin specifics with regards to diameter, thickness and weight. Prior to 1973, copy or replica coins did not have to be indicated on the coin. See: http://www.collectors.org/Library/Hobby_Protection_Act.asp  It could be a counterfeit coin, with dies made from two original, but separate coins. One with an 1887 dollar obverse, and one with another date "CC" reverse. The two dies were married, making your "fantasy" coin. The mint did not strike coins from the Carson City mint in 1887. It is hard to believe that one would show up over 100 years later and prove to be real. The other possibility is that the mint mark was added to a genuine coin. If you have a 14X to 20X magnifying glass, it should allow you to view the mint mark and surrounding area of the coin to determine if it looks good. Compare to other Morgan dollar coins with mint marks.

If you live close to a coin shop, they should offer you an opinion as to the authenticity and its approximate worth at no cost. Remember, should you choose to sell your coin, get at least two estimates from professional coin dealers (PNG). I've listed a link for you to find them in your area. Link: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Dealers normally pay between 50% to 60% of retail for items they want.

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You again and continued Good Luck in your collecting.