1880-CC 8/7 Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar Value Guide What This Rare Carson City Variety Is Actually Worth
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The 1880-CC 8/7 Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $200 in heavily worn condition to well over $2,000 or more in uncirculated mint state grades, making it one of the most exciting Morgan dollar varieties a collector or everyday finder can come across.
If you pulled one of these out of an old box, a coin collection from a relative, or a dusty jar in the garage, you may be sitting on something genuinely special. This is not your average silver dollar. The 1880-CC with the 8/7 overdate and the Reverse of 1878 is a recognized variety that serious collectors actively seek out, and knowing exactly what you have can make a real difference in what you walk away with. Using a coin identifier and value app is a smart first step to help confirm the variety before you take it anywhere to sell.
What Makes the 1880-CC 8/7 Reverse of 1878 So Special
The “CC” in this coin’s name stands for Carson City, Nevada — a mint that operated from 1870 to 1893 and produced some of the most beloved and collectible coins in American history. Carson City coins tend to carry a premium on their own simply because of the history and lower mintage numbers involved.
But this particular coin is doubly interesting. The “8/7” means the die used to strike these coins originally showed an 1879 date, and the 1880 was punched over it. If you look closely — ideally with a magnifying glass — you can sometimes see traces of the underlying 7 beneath the 8 in the date. This kind of overdate variety is a big deal in the coin collecting world.
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On top of that, the “Reverse of 1878” refers to the tail feathers on the eagle’s reverse design. In 1878, the original Morgan dollar reverse showed eight tail feathers arranged differently than the later design. Some 1880-CC coins were struck using dies that still carried this earlier design, which makes them a distinct and separately cataloged variety.
How Much Is the 1880-CC 8/7 Reverse of 1878 Worth by Grade
Coin value depends heavily on condition, and this variety is no exception. A coin that has been passed around in pockets for decades will be worth far less than one that has been sitting safely tucked away since it was minted.
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Here is a general value table to give you a baseline idea:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 (Good) | Heavy wear, design visible | $200 – $250 |
| VF-20 (Very Fine) | Moderate wear, details clear | $350 – $500 |
| EF-40 (Extremely Fine) | Light wear on high points | $600 – $900 |
| MS-60 (Mint State) | No wear, some bag marks | $1,000 – $1,400 |
| MS-63 (Choice Uncirculated) | Attractive, few blemishes | $1,800 – $2,500+ |
| MS-65 (Gem Uncirculated) | Exceptional eye appeal | $5,000+ |
For the most up-to-date auction results and graded coin prices, you can browse current 1880 Morgan dollar market prices by grade to see what similar examples are actually selling for right now.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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How to Identify the Variety on Your Coin
If you think you might have an 1880-CC 8/7 Reverse of 1878, here is what to look for. First, check the mintmark — it should be a small “CC” located on the reverse of the coin, just above the “DO” in “DOLLAR.” If there is no mintmark or a different letter, it is a different mint.
Next, examine the date under magnification. The bottom loop of the 8 closest to the 7 may show a curved remnant of the original 7 peeking through. It can be subtle, but it is visible on genuine examples.
Finally, count the tail feathers on the eagle’s reverse. The Reverse of 1878 shows eight tail feathers arranged in a slightly different pattern than the Reverse of 1879. This detail is best confirmed using a reference like the VAM World website or by using CoinKnow, a free app that lets you photograph your coin and identify varieties quickly.
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Should You Clean It or Get It Graded
Please do not clean your coin. Even if it looks dirty or dark, cleaning a coin almost always destroys its numismatic value. Collectors and grading services can instantly spot a cleaned coin, and it will be worth significantly less — sometimes a fraction of what it would have been.
Instead, store it in a soft, non-PVC coin flip or a hard plastic holder. If the coin appears to be in very fine condition or better, professional grading through PCGS or NGC is absolutely worth considering. A certified and slabbed 1880-CC 8/7 Reverse of 1878 in MS-63 could sell for two to three times what an ungraded example might fetch from a casual buyer.
You can also check out a detailed breakdown of 1880 silver dollar value information by mint and variety to better understand where your specific coin falls in the market.
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CoinKnow can walk you through the grading submission process and help you figure out whether submitting your coin is financially worthwhile before you spend the money.
Where to Sell the 1880-CC 8/7 Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar
Once you know what you have, your options for selling include major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers, online platforms like eBay (with caution), and local coin dealers. For a variety as specific as this one, going to a dealer or auction house that specializes in Morgan dollars will almost always get you a better price than a pawn shop or general antique store.
Before walking into any shop, do your research. Know the grade, know the variety, and have a price floor in mind. CoinKnow gives you comparable sales data so you walk in informed and confident rather than hoping for the best.
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Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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FAQ
Q: How do I know if my 1880-CC Morgan dollar is the 8/7 overdate variety?
A: Look at the date under a 5x or 10x magnifying glass. On genuine 8/7 examples, you can see faint traces of a 7 beneath the second 8 in the date. Pairing this with the CC mintmark and the Reverse of 1878 eagle design confirms the variety.
Q: Is the 1880-CC 8/7 Reverse of 1878 rare?
A: It is considered a scarce variety, not an extreme rarity, but it is far less common than standard 1880-CC dollars. In high mint state grades, it becomes genuinely rare and commands strong premiums at auction.
Q: Can I sell my 1880-CC 8/7 Morgan dollar without getting it professionally graded?
A: Yes, but you may leave money on the table. Ungraded coins are harder to sell at full value because buyers are uncertain about the grade and authenticity. For a coin worth several hundred dollars or more, professional grading often pays for itself many times over.
