1880 Morgan VAM Experts, Please Help! - More Help Needed

ProofCollection

I've had this 1880-P MS63DMPL Morgan for a long time. I broke out the microscope and I think this might be an 8/7 VAM but I can't quite figure out which one. I've been up and down all of the VAMs on VAMWorld and can't quite find any that match.

Download full size here:
https://images.pcgs.com/trueview/31501444

I would think that the extra material at the top of the 8 and 0 indicates that this is an overdate variety, but there's not really any doubling that I can see that distinguishes many of the VAMs.


The ear is clear of polish lines:

None of the VAMs cite this, but it's got a funny R in LIBERTY:

Anyone have any thoughts or opinions?

messydesk

1880 isn't an easy date to attribute. The 0 has what I refer to as very weak "pincers" at the top, presumably because of a repunched date. Overdates are plentiful because many, if not most, dies started out as 1879 and were repaired to fill the 79, then punched with an 1880 punch. The original 18 was used as a positioning jig for the date punch. Several show the lower left tip of the 7 on the top left surface of the 2nd 8. This is referred to as a "checkmark" variety due to the appearance.

PapiNE

I'm fairly certain its VAM 50. The lightning right wing tip is a great marker.

ricko

I really see no indication of an 8/7... and I magnified the magnifications. Perhaps some other VAM.... Cheers, RickO

ProofCollection

@PapiNE, @ricko, and everyone: I have another one for you. This is in MS64PL. I initially thought another VAM 50 but the "nose" on the 1 is way too thick. I was kind of thinking VAM 9 but some things aren't quite matching up with the vamworld photos.

If you need pics of other areas let me know.

ProofCollection

Bump for the second coin. Surely someone has thoughts on this one?

messydesk

I'd have to see this in hand. 1880 can be a tricky date to attribute. I currently have a submission of 25 1880 dollars I'm going through.