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 Replies: 11 / Views: 1,779 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1304 Posts |
Here in the near future I will be buying a 1879-Carson City. I have found out that there is a capped CC and a non-capped CC. Could someone explain what the difference is and which one should I look for. I tried my RedBook but they don't seem to say much about it. Thanks.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2757 Posts |
I thought the 'capped die' just referred to a repunched mint mark - you should be able to find pictures of each now that you know what you are looking for.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1150 Posts |
In 1879, the Carson City, Nevada Mint struck two varieties of Morgan dollars. One shows a clear "CC." The other variety shows a doubled "CC" mint mark. This variety is known as the 1879-CC "Capped Die." There are two schools of thought among numismatists as to how this occurred. Some say the "CC" mint mark rusted after being punched, resulting in a doubled image on the struck coins. Others say that the "Capped Die" variety is the result of a doubly punched mint mark by a sloppy worker. No matter what the explanation, the 1879-CC "Capped Die" variety is highly sought after and very difficult to obtain in higher grades. |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1304 Posts |
Thanks robbudo and mitchhailey, Quote:
No matter what the explanation, the 1879-CC "Capped Die" variety is highly sought after and very difficult to obtain in higher grades Is it hard to find in lets say grades fine to Very Fine? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2757 Posts |
Here's a nice picture of the reverse of a PCGS slabbed capped die 1879. http://rlhe.net/images/547314B.jpg That coin is XF45, is up for auction right now, and is up to $660 with over a day left. The few I found on the Bay that are lower grade and not slabbed do not look real to me. People just find 1879 CC's with a poorly struck mintmark or other damage and try to pawn it off as an error. I suggest you only buy a slabbed coin since you aren't an expert in this field and you'll probably be putting down a pretty penny. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1213 Posts |
Great image robbudo, thanks. This topic was helpful in my continuing education on the VAM's. Thank you all. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1150 Posts |
No problem, Worn.
Edited by mitchhailey
01/02/2011 04:13 am
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
14454 Posts |
here is another nice picture of a nice capped 79-CC in MS-63  |
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Pillar of the Community
3660 Posts |
RPM...Capped mm.....Just an exercise in semantics, or is there actually a difference?
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:
RPM...Capped mm.....Just an exercise in semantics, or is there actually a difference? In this case, I think the term "Capped" was chosen because it's believed to be a second-try mint mark, somewhat resembling the "second hit" involved in an actual Capped Die. It's a big stretch for me, but one cannot get too caught up in numismatic semantics. Just go chase your own tail; it's less exhausting. This one is a big 'ol blunder. I can believe the idea that some singular density in the production department would smurf up a die to that extent, but where does the similar stuff around the "G" in "God" fit into the picture? |
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Pillar of the Community
3660 Posts |
Maybe it was one of those die hardness tests.... you know, the ones where the mint workers sat around drinking and telling stories and banging dies together to test die hardness.... I have heard that is how denticle impressions came about as well..... (If it can happen with denticles, why not mm and other areas like around that G)? Makes perfect sense to me.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1304 Posts |
According to the Greysheet there isn't alot of difference in price, especially in the Fine to Very Fine range that I will be buying. Thanks for all the info.  |
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Replies: 11 / Views: 1,779 |
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Posted 12/31/2010 10:49 pm
