Back in the 1990s, most coin dealers and advanced collectors believed that PCGS held to higher standards in its grading than has evolved during the past several decades. This wonderfully high-end 1878-CC Morgan silver dollar attests to this assertion hands down. It possesses the eye appeal that discriminating silver dollar collectors agree is what a third-party certified MS-65 specimen looked like many years ago. At present (2025), this piece is as attractive (if not more so) than many 1878-CC silver dollars certified as MS-66.

The obverse certainly qualifies for this higher grade; at the very least it deserves an MS-65+ rating. The obverse’s surfaces radiate brilliant luster and are essentially all-white in appearance. Light amber blushes float in places around the left periphery, mostly near the letters RIB in PLURIBUS. Lady Liberty’s cheek is exceptionally clean with just a few minor ticks toward the front near her mouth and nose. Several tiny contact marks (smaller than grains of rice) are sprinkled diagonally on the left obverse fields. Details on all the highpoints are sharply defined.

The reverse blazes with silvery luminosity. All details on the raised devices stand boldly at attention. Contact marks are more plentiful than what is seen on the obverse. This is probably what would keep PCGS from upgrading this piece, but there is still no doubt about the reverse’s deserving of an MS-65 rating. A long but not distracting connected string of minor abrasions runs horizontally above the words “God We” in the motto. This blemish is well hidden, though, and is only noticeable when someone points it out. Two dots of discoloration (possibly carbon spots?) are visible to the left of the letter C in AMERICA; a thin vertical scratch flanks the C’s right side. Other than the contact marks mentioned, the reverse surfaces are pleasingly free from detracting nicks, scuffs, and grazes.

The 1878-CC date is extremely popular with collectors mostly because it was the first year of the production of Morgan silver dollars at the Carson City Mint. The specimen offered here will bring pride of ownership to any “CC” coin enthusiast.

In an Old Green Label PCGS Holder (OGH).