VAM Dollars

1889-CC VAMs

The 1889-CC is the rarest of the Carson City dollars and frequently counterfeited. Only a few varieties are known and can be distinguished by date placement (in the normal, further right than normal, and date with the 9 set higher than the rest of the numerals) coupled with the placement of the mint marks. The reverse mint marks are the larger more elliptical ‘CC’ used 1879-1893. The mint marks may be set centered, tilted left, or slightly to the right. The following are the known varieties.

1889-CC VAM-1 Normal die; CC centered
Date set in normal position. CC mint mark centered and upright.
Rarity: R-3

1889-CC VAM-2 High 9, Doubled 1; CC set right
9 in date higher than rest of numerals. 1 doubled below upper crossbar. CC mint mark set slightly to right.
Die crack through date is seen on some genuine coins.
Rarity: R-4

1889-CC VAM-2A High 9, Doubled 1; CC set right, Clashed Observe n
Obverse - Clashed die with faint partial incuse n of In from reverse next to Liberty head neck. Heavy vertical die crack from rim thru S in PLURIBUS.
Rarity: R-6

1889-CC VAM-3 Far Date, CC tilted left
Date set further right than normal. CC mint mark tilted slightly to left.
Rarity: R-4

1889-CC VAM-4 Normal date, CC tilted left
Date set in normal position. CC mint mark tilted slightly to left.
Rarity: R-5

1889-CC VAM-4A Normal date, CC tilted left, Clashed Reverse Partial E
Reverse – Clashed die with partial E from LIBERTY on obverse showing below eagle’s tail feathers on left side.
Part of vertical bar of E shows.
Rarity: R-6