The United States Carson City Mint, also known as the Carson City Mint or the CC Mint, was a branch of the United States Mint that operated from 1870 to 1893 in Carson City, Nevada. The mint was established to process the large amounts of gold and silver that were being mined in the surrounding area, specifically from the Comstock Lode, one of the most productive silver strikes in American history.
One of the most famous coins minted at the Carson City Mint was the Morgan Silver Dollar. The Morgan Dollar was named after its designer, George T. Morgan, and was first minted in 1878. The coin was minted until 1904, with a brief hiatus in 1904 and again in 1921, and was used as standard circulation currency in the United States until it was replaced by the Peace Dollar in 1921.
The Morgan Dollar was made of 90% silver and 10% copper and had a weight of 26.73 grams and a diameter of 38.1 mm. The obverse of the coin featured a portrait of Lady Liberty with the word "Liberty" written above her head. The reverse featured an eagle with outstretched wings, with the words "United States of America" and "E Pluribus Unum" written above and the denomination of the coin, "One Dollar," written below.
The Carson City Mint was unique among the United States Mints in that it was the only mint that was not located in a major city. This led to a smaller production output as well as a higher degree of rarity. Additionally, the Carson City Mint used different dies than the other mints, which also adds to the rarity of the coins minted there. These factors, combined with the historical significance of the Comstock Lode, have made the Carson City Morgan Dollars highly sought after by collectors.
The Carson City Mint produced over 350 million Morgan Silver Dollars during its tenure, however, only a small percentage of those were minted in Carson City. This is because the Carson City Mint was closed for many years due to low demand for silver coins. As a result, Morgan Silver Dollars minted in Carson City are considered rare and valuable.
The Carson City Mint
Image Credit: US Mint
The Carson City Mint is an important part of American history and its legacy can still be seen today in the many Morgan Silver Dollars that it minted. These coins are not only a valuable collector's item, but they also serve as a reminder of the significance of the Comstock Lode and the role that the Carson City Mint played in American history.
In conclusion, the Carson City Mint was an important branch of the United States Mint that operated from 1870 to 1893 in Carson City, Nevada. It was established to process the large amounts of gold and silver that were being mined in the surrounding area, specifically from the Comstock Lode, one of the most productive silver strikes in American history. The mint is most famous for minting the Morgan Silver Dollar, which is highly sought after by collectors due to its rarity. The Carson City Mint is an important part of American history and its legacy can still be seen today in the many Morgan Silver Dollars that it minted.