1878-S VAM-29 010321

Characteristics are described with a degree of granularity intended for die identification more so than for die classification. A characteristic may not span the entire die progression. Thus, not all characteristics may be present in any one coin.

OBVERSE ATTRIBUTES: Date digits 18-8 are doubled at the bottom, with both of the 8s doubled at the upper left inside of the top loop. The doubling of the inside upper loops may be the result of Die polishing. The bottom of Liberty's Jaw is rounded more than normal due to the application of engraving lines to eliminate a doubled profile. This is the first known case of engraving being applied to a Morgan Silver Dollar Obverse Die and that engraving produced a feature called a "Sagging Jaw". The front and bottom of Liberty's Chin is tripled, as are the letters of the Obverse Legend, LIBERTY. A very clear case of doubling to Liberty's Nostril and Eyelid is present. A Die gouge can be seen above the first U of the Obverse Motto, E. PLURIBUS UNUM, and the letters US UNUM are doubled. One tip of the 4th Right Star is broken. Markers: None.

REVERSE ATTRIBUTES: A Feather has been engraved between the Eagle’s Right Wing and Leg (Left Wing and Leg as viewed). Well struck specimens contain raised dots on the letters of the first word of the Reverse Legend, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and on the leaves at the top of Left Laurel Wreath. These dots are created when a coin is struck by a Die that has develped some rust. The r in the last word of the Reverse Motto, In God We Trust, is not broken. The lower Arrow Head and the letters ONE DO in the Denomination, ONE DOLLAR, are doubled. Markers: None.

This is a Top 30 1878-S Morgan Variety.

NOTE: VAM-29 and VAM-31 share the same Obverse Die.

COMMENTS ON THIS COIN:
  • This specimen has all of the attributes associated with the VAM-29 and has been certified as a VAM-29 by the ANACS.
  • In addition to the doubling of Date digits 18-8, the 7 also appears to be doubled at the bottom.
  • Die file lines are present in and around the Liberty's Ear and in the hair below the Ear.
  • Feed Finger Gouges are present around the Eagle's Wings tips. They generally appear in and around "OF" and the Eagle's Left Wing tip (Right Wing tip as viewed); but, are sometimes seen in and around the "ST" of STATES and the Eagle's Right Wing tip (Left Wing tip as viewed). Photographs of this feature can be viewed in the Section entitled Features of Special Interest.
  • The Mint Mark is set slightly to the right in an upright position.

VAMWorld Main Topics: [ 1878-S VAM-29 ] [ 1878-S VAMs ]
SiverDye 1878-S Varieties: [ 1878-S Base ] [ 29 ]
SiverDye VAM-29 Topics: [ Base ]
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Galleries

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Full Coin

1878-S VAM-29 RTM010321
rtm 1878 S LFCP 010321a.jpg rtm 1878 S LFCP 010321b.jpg
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Date and Mint Mark

1878-S VAM-29 RTM010321
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Attributes

1878-S VAM-29 RTM010321
rtm 1878 S 010321c.jpg rtm 1878 S 010321d.jpg
Comment: Doubled Date. While VAMWorld's VAM-29 Page only notes the doubling of digits 18-8, I believe that the 7 is also doubled at the bottom. Comment: "Sagging Jaw" feature. This feature was created due to the application of engraving lines to eliminate a doubled profile.
rtm 1878 S 010321e.jpg rtm 1878 S 010321f.jpg
Comment: Tripled Chin. Comment: Doubled Nostril and Eyelid.
rtm 1878 S 010321g.jpg rtm 1878 S 010321h.jpg
Comment: Tripled LIBERTY. Comment: Die Gouge.
rtm 1878 S 010321i.jpg rtm 1878 S 010321j.jpg
Comment: Doubled letters. Comment: Doubled letters.
rtm 1878 S 010321k.jpg rtm 1878 S 010321l.jpg
Comment: Broken Star. Comment: Unbroken r.
rtm 1878 S 010321m.jpg rtm 1878 S 010321n.jpg
Comment: Doubled Lower Arrow Head. Comment: Engraved feather.
rtm 1878 S 010321o.jpg rtm 1878 S 010321p.jpg
Comment: Doubled letters of the Denomination. Comment: Raised dots on UNITED; caused by a rusting Die.
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General of Noted Features

1878-S VAM-29 RTM010321
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rtm 1878 S 010321u.jpg rtm 1878 S 010321v.jpg
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rtm 1878 S 010321w.jpg rtm 1878 S 010321x.jpg
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rtm 1878 S 010321y.jpg rtm 1878 S 010321z.jpg
Comment: The Mint Mark appears to be set slightly to the right in an upright position. Comment:
rtm 1878 S 010321za.jpg rtm 1878 S 010321zb.jpg
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rtm 1878 S 010321zc.jpg RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE.jpg
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Features of Special Interest

1878-S VAM-29 RTM010321
rtm 1878 S 010321zd.jpg rtm 1878 S 010321ze.jpg
Comment: Feed Finger Gouges. The gouges are commonly called Wing Tip Gouges. Comment:
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Regional

rtm_1878_S_010321a rtm_1878_S_010321b rtm_1878_S_010321c rtm_1878_S_010321d rtm_1878_S_010321e rtm_1878_S_010321f rtm_1878_S_010321g rtm_1878_S_010321h rtm_1878_S_010321i rtm_1878_S_010321j rtm_1878_S_010321k rtm_1878_S_010321l rtm_1878_S_010321m rtm_1878_S_010321n rtm_1878_S_010321o rtm_1878_S_010321p rtm_1878_S_010321q rtm_1878_S_010321r rtm_1878_S_010321s rtm_1878_S_010321t rtm_1878_S_010321u rtm_1878_S_010321v rtm_1878_S_010321w rtm_1878_S_010321x rtm_1878_S_010321y rtm_1878_S_010321z rtm_1878_S_010321za rtm_1878_S_010321zb rtm_1878_S_010321zc rtm_1878_S_010321zd rtm_1878_S_010321ze rtm_1878_S_010321zf

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Full Coin

rtm_1878_S_LFCP_010321a rtm_1878_S_LFCP_010321b

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-- RodMe - 14 Jan 2021

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Topic revision: 18 Feb 2021, RodMe
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