1880-CC $1 8/Low 7 MS DMPL

Key to Collecting: This variety, the Reverse of 1879 with slanted top arrow feather, is several times more plentiful (some would say many times more plentiful) than the Reverse of 1878 (parallel arrow feather). However, as many are extensively bagmarked, searching is needed to locate an example with good eye appeal. The 1880-CC is ever popular due to Detail of 1880-CC (SAF). the magic of the CC mintmark.

Surface Quality: Strike varies from sharp in all areas to weak at the centers, examples of the last showing lack of definition in the hair strands near Liberty’s ear and on the breast feathers of the eagle. The luster on a typical 1880-CC is quite nice. Some pieces have planchet striations from the strip preparation process, these in the form of tiny parallel lines on the highest central points of the coin (which were the deepest areas of the dies, and thus not all characteristics of the original planchet were removed in the striking process).

Prooflike Coins: Many partially prooflike or semi-prooflike pieces exist and can be very attractive. Significantly mirrored prooflike coins are apt to be lightly struck at the centers. Note: Certification data are confused for the 1880-CC, as most have been certified without mention of the reverse style, and some have been certified as having overdate traces, while others with overdate traces omit this mention.

Mintage and Distribution: See notes under 1878-CC, Reverse of 1878.

The VAM-5 and 6 varieties, High and Low 7 overdate varieties, are popular.