Carson City Uncirculated Morgan Silver Dollar Bicentennial Presentation Set Appraisal
Category: Numismatic Collectible
Description
The item presented is a Carson City Uncirculated Silver Dollar housed within a special Bicentennial presentation set. The central piece is a silver dollar, which, based on the visible profile of Lady Liberty, is identifiable as a Morgan Dollar minted at the historic Carson City Mint. The coin is meticulously encased in a rigid, transparent plastic slab, clearly labeled with "CARSON CITY" and "UNCIRCULATED SILVER DOLLAR" in white lettering on a black background, ensuring its pristine, uncirculated condition is preserved from handling. This encapsulated coin is then nested within a luxurious, deep blue presentation case, which appears to be lined with velvet or a similar plush material, providing both protection and an elegant display. The interior lid of the box features embossed silver or white text, including a quote from Richard Nixon referencing America's Bicentennial and the historical significance of the silver dollar as a national heritage item. Accompanying the coin is a cream-colored informational document titled "THE CARSON CITY SILVER DOLLARS," which provides historical context regarding the mint and the coin itself, marked with the number "84848027." The coin's condition is consistent with 'mint grade' or uncirculated, exhibiting original luster and sharp details, free from discernable wear or significant contact marks. There might be some natural, light toning characteristic of silver. The packaging, including the box and informational leaflet, appears to be in excellent, well-preserved condition, showing no signs of significant wear or damage. This specific presentation, given the Bicentennial and Nixon reference, strongly dates its release to the mid-to-late 1970s, likely related to the General Services Administration (GSA) sales of Carson City Morgan Dollars from government vaults.
Appraisal Report
Upon examining the images of the Carson City Uncirculated Morgan Silver Dollar Bicentennial Presentation Set, my assessment is that the item is a genuine General Services Administration (GSA) product from the 1970s. The packaging, including the blue velvet-lined box, the outer sleeve, and the numbered certificate of authenticity, is consistent with known GSA releases, often referred to as 'GSA Hoard' dollars. The coin itself is a Carson City Morgan Dollar, encapsulated in the original hard plastic holder, which correctly identifies it as uncirculated. The 'mint grade' designation confirms its high state of preservation, retaining its original luster and sharp strike with no signs of circulation wear. The market for GSA-holdered Carson City dollars is well-established and robust. Values are primarily determined by the specific year of the Morgan Dollar (e.g., 1882-CC, 1883-CC, 1884-CC are most common in these sets, while others like 1880-CC or 1881-CC command higher premiums) and its graded condition by services like PCGS or NGC. Since the exact year is not visible and the coin is ungraded ('raw' in the holder), its value falls into the general category for common-date GSA CC Morgans. Current market comparables for similar raw, common-date GSA sets trade consistently in the $250 to $350 range, with prices fluctuating based on dealer inventory and recent auction results. The Bicentennial packaging is a specific variant but does not significantly alter the value compared to the standard blue GSA boxes. It is important to note that this appraisal is based on images alone. While the packaging and coin appear authentic, full verification would require in-person examination to confirm the coin's specific year, assess for any detracting toning or marks not visible in photos, and verify the integrity of the original GSA holder. The serial number on the certificate can also be cross-referenced, but does not guarantee authenticity on its own.
Appraisal Value
$250 - $350