Interesting VAM 1884 O/O what is this wing spike?

RVDavis

I picked up this 1884 O/O today I am pretty sure it is the O/O right VAM 9. Wish it were a VAM 6 or 10 but hey it is in good shape and an interesting coin.

What is this wing spike on the eagle's right wing? IN hand, it runs from the wing about 2/3 of the field right towards the 'n' in the motto. I have to think it is a die clash mark; I think there is a VAM of this in a different year/mint mark. Suggestions? I looks a whole lot like the line of Liberty's neck from the obverse; I can't find any of the other usual suspects of singificant die clash such as the 'E' below the tailfeathers.

Rick

greghansen

Aha! An easy one I know the answer to. That, my friend, is indeed a clash mark.

Very common at that location on Morgan Dollars. It matches up with the front of the neck on the obverse. Can be found on many dates.

RVDavis

I thought that was what it was; I have seen them in the past but never this strong. An interesting feature. Too bad they polishe dout the "E" below the tail feathers.