1891-CC VAM-8

Description

Discovered in 2015 by John Higginbotham from a coin owned by Gilbert Higginbotham, the 1891-CC VAM-8 is classified III2 1 - C3d with DPIS 177 and named C/C Right. This Carson City Mint Morgan dollar pairs a normal obverse die of III2 type with a reverse C3d die on which both C's of the CC mint mark tilt slightly to the left. The left C is further distinguished by polishing marks within its loop and slight doubling to the right of the serif — the diagnostic that most clearly separates VAM-8 from other 1891-CC varieties. The discovery coin demonstrates the normal lateral date position on the obverse paired with the C/C Right 1891-CC VAM-4 reverse. The 1891-CC was struck in 90% silver at the Carson City Mint with a mintage of around 1.6 million coins — not a key date, but a branch-mint issue that collectors prize for its historical associations with the Nevada silver camps. Carson City Morgans consistently command premiums over their Philadelphia counterparts, and attributed mint mark varieties like VAM-8 carry additional appeal among specialists.

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