1878-S Morgan-Vam/Grade help(pics)
Betta285
Posts: 733
By looking at the "r" in trust, I believe it is a Vam 19, and it would be great if someone could help clarify this. Looks like a solid 64 to me and semi-prooflike. Grade and opinions are welcome
jim
jim
0
Comments
<< <i>It's a Vam-2, "broken R" in MS--64 IMHO. >>
No, it's not a VAM 19 nor has a VAM 2 ever been confirmed that I know of. There are quite a number of 1878-S Morgans with varying stages of a broken 'r' in 'trust'. What we need to see to identify this coin is the eagle's right (viewer's left) wing where it attaches to the body like this:
This is the main way of identifying 1878-S Morgans.
Jeff
Semper ubi sub ubi
The top of the R is mesed up and the fourth star to the right only has 5 points. I don't know if that means anything. Sorry I don't have a pictuure it was an old slab so I sent it off to be reslabbed.
<< <i>I have one just like this coin only it is MS63 graded by NGC and they certified it as a VAM 7 R-3 Double Motto.
The top of the R is mesed up and the fourth star to the right only has 5 points. I don't know if that means anything. Sorry I don't have a pictuure it was an old slab so I sent it off to be reslabbed. >>
The 1878-S VAM 7 shares the same reverse as VAMs 5 & 46. VAM 5 has a slightly doubled profile obv. VAM 46 has a unique die scratch behind the eye that has been dubbed 'worm eye' on some VAM 52 varieties.
The problem with the big VAM book is some of those early listings were created prior to the realization that many 1878-S Morgans had received engraved wings. The listing for the VAM 19 reverse in the book is incorrect. The VAM 19 shares the same reverse as VAMs 35, 74 & 93. For the VAM 19, its prominent feature is the long, broad die gouge across the cap on the obv.
Jeff
Semper ubi sub ubi
jim
<< <i>Does this help? >>
Yep, it sure does. It looks like it could be either VAM 6 or 44. Both share the same reverse but VAM 6 has doubled RIB in PLURIBUS and the 4th right star is not broken. Check those features to see.
If this is a VAM 6, you have a Hot 50 coin!
Jeff
Semper ubi sub ubi
jim
Specifically the "2 R Broken R " Van Allen and Mallis, 1991. page 165) 2nd photo down right, is essentially identical to the
photo in this thread. Obviously there are other diagnostic areas to consider but my answer was the best I could do with
the photo's provided, and this reverse goes with other number VAM attributions.
<< <i>RIB is clearly doubled and all stars are intact. If it truly is a VAM 6, is there any reason to get it graded or is there a big price jump? >>
The available price guides for the Hot 50 series are a bit out of date but the VAM 6 is quite popular and I believe it carries a small to modest premium, maybe enough to cover slabbing costs. Although part of the Hot 50, the VAM 6 is obtainable and you could probably pick up one already slabbed for common money.
<< <i>Ok whatever it is, the Vam number will have to consider the pictures I had available to GUESS what it was, since it's not a VAM 19, which was the question.Specifically the "2 R Broken R " Van Allen and Mallis, 1991. page 165) 2nd photo down right, is essentially identical to the
photo in this thread. Obviously there are other diagnostic areas to consider but my answer was the best I could do with the photo's provided, and this reverse goes with other number VAM attributions >>
My apologies MorganNut2, I didn't mean to come off as chastising but I see how my post could have been read that way. You gave an appropriate response with what was presented and the information you have. I was just trying to emphasize that there are probably upwards of 40 different 1878-S VAMs that also have the broken 'r' in 'trust' and that other factors should be considered.
Again, my apologies.
Jeff
Semper ubi sub ubi