I have the distinct pleasure of being the final CC Coin of the Week for 2009 in an unbroken string of 16 Coins of the Week since September 14.
1881 was another significant year in U.S. history. On March 4, James Garfield was inaugurated and on September 19, 1881, Garfield became the second President to be assassinated.
The next day, September 20, Chester A. Arthur was sworn in as the 21st President.
On October 26, an incident that became known as the Gunfight at the OK Corral broke out in Tombstone, Arizona between U.S. Marshal Virgil Earp, Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday and the Clanton brothers.
In general numismatic news, on February 1, a U.S. Assay Office was authorized for St. Louis and opened July 1.
In the Comstock, the annual report of the Director of the Mint revealed that silver production had declined for the fourth straight year from the high of $21.7 million in 1877 to $645,000 in 1881. This resulted in declining mintage figures. In 1881, only 296,000 silver dollars were coined. The coin is not scarce, however. Rusty Goe, in The Mint on Carson Street, said that the surviving population is estimated to be 170,000 to 200,000 thanks to 147,000 released in the GSA sales.
Dave Bowers in A Guide Book of Morgan Silver Dollars, said the strike is usually excellent on 1881-CC dollars with good hair detail on the obverse and also on the eagle's breast feathers. This and the low mintage make this dollar very popular among collectors. Dave also said that the 1881-CC is very rare in worn grades. I happen to have an NGC MS63 DMPL. When I am able to photograph it, I will post it here.
Happy New Year everyone!
