This specific United States silver coin, minted in 1882 at the Carson City Mint, represents a tangible piece of American history. It is a valuable collectible, sought after by numismatists for its silver content, historical significance, and relative rarity compared to other Morgan Silver Dollars. The “CC” mintmark distinguishes it as originating from the Carson City Mint, a location that operated for only a relatively short period, adding to its collectibility. An example would be a certified 1882-CC coin in uncirculated condition, which would command a significantly higher price than a circulated example.
The coin holds importance due to its historical context within the silver mining boom of the late 19th century and the economic policies that drove its production. The Bland-Allison Act of 1878 required the U.S. Treasury to purchase large amounts of silver and coin it into silver dollars, contributing to the production of coins like this one. Its value is derived not only from its intrinsic silver content but also from its scarcity, condition, and the story it tells about a specific period in American economic and political history. Benefits of owning it include its potential as an investment, its historical value, and the prestige of possessing a tangible artifact from the Old West.
