Odd rim on 1883-CC GSA Morgan

jtlee321

Hey guys, I just picked up this 1883-CC GSA Morgan from a local shop today. It came with the original box, cert and outer mailing box. It's a stunning coin, one of the things that popped out at me as I was photographing it is the rim. It has a stair step edge going around the edge of the coin. I don't think I've ever seen this on another Morgan.

Can anyone chime in on what may be the cause? I wish I could get a photo of the edge, but it's in a GSA holder.

FredWeinberg

Could be a small “finned rim” effect-But looks a little bit different than most I’ve seen - is it possible to get a photo of the edge of the coin from 11 o’clock to 5 o’clock or thereabouts?

lilolme

This is something I have seen on Morgans but as you noted this one goes around the entire coin. Usually it is just for 90 degrees or something.
Now I went looking for another one like yours. I think I found one or fairly close. Maybe this is interesting - it looks like the same die based on the die cracks but this one appears to be earlier since the die cracks are a little less.

jtlee321

@FredWeinberg said:
Could be a small “finned rim” effect-But looks a little bit different than most I’ve seen - is it possible to get a photo of the edge of the coin from 11 o’clock to 5 o’clock or thereabouts?

Thank you Fred, here is an image of the edge at around the 9 o'clock rim area. It's the best I can do with it being in plastic.

jtlee321

@lilolme said:
This is something I have seen on Morgans but as you noted this one goes around the entire coin. Usually it is just for 90 degrees or something.
Now I went looking for another one like yours. I think I found one or fairly close. Maybe this is interesting - it looks like the same die based on the die cracks but this one appears to be earlier since the die cracks are a little less.

That is the exact same VAM as the coin I posted in the OP. It has the same step down effect as my coin all the way around. Funny thing is, I have a second copy of this exact VAM, but without the odd rim. It has the more normal rounded/beveled looking edge from the denticles to the reeded edge.

FlyingAl

That sure is wonky - I've never seen anything like it.

jtlee321

Well it looks to be pretty common among '83-CC Morgan Dollars. I've seen quite a few on PCGS' TrueViews. The odd thing is it's more prevalent on the obverse, but I did see it occurring on the reverse as well.

My guess is, it involves the mechanics of the striking process.

ricko

Interesting anomaly... I have seen that before - at coin shows... never saw it identified specifically. Will wait for input from @FredWeinberg. Cheers, RickO