Home U.S. Coin Forum

Three 1878-S Morgan VAMs - double D's

Check out the close-ups of the mint marks on these three different 1878-S Morgans. The second looks the best. I have to check into attribution later. Too many double-D's. If you have any advice, please pass it on.

image

image

image

Comments

  • nwcsnwcs Posts: 13,386 ✭✭✭
    Now that is what I call a close up!
  • wam98wam98 Posts: 2,685
    Excellent demonstration. image
    Wayne
    ******
  • LanLordLanLord Posts: 11,714 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Some of the atoms are out of alignment.
  • LanLordLanLord Posts: 11,714 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Some of the atoms are out of alignment. >>



    Where did you get the scanning electron microscope?
  • Not sure why I said "mint marks" when I was referring to the D in DOLLAR. It was a long rough weekend. Luckily everyone knew what I meant.

    I held my old digital camera up to microscope with my right hand, and held a flashlight with my left hand. The microscope only does 30x or 60x. I need to work on the lighting. For a cheap setup, I think it turned out pretty good... and should help my old eyes with VAM attribution.
  • Are those pics 30x or 60x? I'm trying to decide on a microscope, either 7-35x or 7-45x, for showing rpm's clearly. Thanks.
    Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

    Apropos of the coin posse/aka caca: "The longer he spoke of his honor, the tighter I held to my purse."

    image


  • << <i>Are those pics 30x or 60x? I'm trying to decide on a microscope, either 7-35x or 7-45x, for showing rpm's clearly. Thanks. >>



    Those are 30x. The eyepiece is 15x and the second lens was set at 2x. It also has a 4x setting for the second lens (giving 60x). I think it sells for about $200 and there's optional attachment to hold the digital camera.


  • << <i>Check out the close-ups of the mint marks on these three different 1878-S Morgans. The second looks the best. I have to check into attribution later. Too many double-D's. If you have any advice, please pass it on. >>



    One of the key areas for identifying 1878-S Morgans is the area of the eagle's right (viewer's left) wing, near the bottom where it joins the body. Here's an example of what I'm talking about. . .

    image

    Jeff
    Jeff

    image

    Semper ubi sub ubi


  • << <i>

    << <i>Check out the close-ups of the mint marks on these three different 1878-S Morgans. The second looks the best. I have to check into attribution later. Too many double-D's. If you have any advice, please pass it on. >>



    One of the key areas for identifying 1878-S Morgans is the area of the eagle's right (viewer's left) wing, near the bottom where it joins the body. Here's an example of what I'm talking about. . .

    image

    Jeff >>



    Thanks. I actually have four 1878-S coins. I won't bother you with any more scans until I've exhausted myself. One of the Morgans was easily identified as a VAM-15. I've got some great close-ups of the gouges. I'm looking at the others, along with the VAM book, the updates, and several open browser sessions to various internet sites.
    Exactly which VAMs are the double D's for 1878-S? I see 1D, 17, 17A, 19, 33, 66... is that it? I'm getting old and need a narrower field of selection.
  • I think I have two identified.... VAM-17 and VAM-15. I can't identify the third double D and will have to plea for help in a new thread.


  • << <i>Exactly which VAMs are the double D's for 1878-S? I see 1D, 17, 17A, 19, 33, 66... is that it? I'm getting old and need a narrower field of selection. >>



    I would be willing to bet that one of them is a v17/v17A. That VAM has a fairly well doubled D. Look for the over polished hair on the obverse, just below the monogram on the neck.

    Jeff
    Jeff

    image

    Semper ubi sub ubi


  • << <i>

    << <i>Exactly which VAMs are the double D's for 1878-S? I see 1D, 17, 17A, 19, 33, 66... is that it? I'm getting old and need a narrower field of selection. >>



    I would be willing to bet that one of them is a v17/v17A. That VAM has a fairly well doubled D. Look for the over polished hair on the obverse, just below the monogram on the neck.

    Jeff >>



    One of them is definitely overpolished below the monogram on the obverse. That's the one I believe is a 17. The one I can't identify is NOT overpolished, doe NOT have a double date, does have the point on the 4th star broken, engraved wing, double IN GOD WE TRUST, no broken R in trust, open G in GOD. I'll post some pictures soon because I need your help! Thanks again.

Leave a Comment

BoldItalicStrikethroughOrdered listUnordered list
Emoji
Image
Align leftAlign centerAlign rightToggle HTML viewToggle full pageToggle lights
Drop image/file