This specific United States coin, minted in 1885 at the Carson City Mint, represents a tangible piece of American history. It’s a silver dollar containing approximately 0.7734 troy ounces of silver, featuring the iconic design of Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. The “CC” mint mark signifies its origin at the Carson City Mint in Nevada, adding to its collectibility. The coin’s value is influenced by its condition, rarity, and silver content.
Its significance stems from the historical context of the silver mining boom in the American West during the late 19th century. The Carson City Mint, operational from 1870 to 1893, primarily processed silver from the Comstock Lode. The coins produced there, especially those in higher grades, are highly prized by numismatists due to their limited mintage and association with this important period of Western history and economic development. The surviving examples offer insights into the era’s financial landscape and the importance of silver in the nation’s economy.