Whats the difference between the 78 and 79 Morgan Reverses

19Lyds

Is there as place on the net to find out the differences between the 78 and the 79 reverses on the Morgan?

Edited to change title.

coinguy1

Try this:

Link

PS - you might receive more help/replies if you change the title of your thread/make it more specific regarding what you're trying to find out.

morgannut2

It the pictures weren't obvious, top arrow parallel to rest= 1878, top arrow feathers angled up= 1879 or later. Breast indented on 1878 rev. also.

19Lyds

Thanks for the link, it explained a lot.

By the way, I keep seeing references to VAM. What does VAM mean?

coinguy1

VAM: "The term comes from the initials of Leroy Van Allen and A.George Mallis, who independently researched die varieties of the Morgan series during the 1960's. They crossed paths, collaborated, and in 1971 they published The Guide to Morgan and Peace Dollars. After another five years of expansion and refinement, they produced The Comprehensive Catalogue and Encyclopedia of U.S. Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars. You can call it the "VAM Book." That's what variety experts call it."

19Lyds

Thanks for the information! I guess I'll have to spring for a book just to know what I am buying...

boyhowdy

Great link.

Thanks Mark.

Steve