1881-S Morgan double Date

stev32k

I just received this 1881-S Morgan. Looking at it under the microscope it looks to me like the date and details at the bottom have been double struck. There also appears to be some sort of design right at the bottom tip of Liberty's neck. It might be just a scratch, but it looks too well formed to be accidental. Is this a known VAM? If so is there any premium on it?

K6AZ

I just went through all 51 entries in the VAM book and didn't find a match. It may be in one of the supplements, or it could be machine doubling.

stev32k

Any comment about the design on the neck? Have you seen anything like that before, or do you think it's just an accidential mark?

K6AZ

No, I haven't seen anything like that before. It doesn't resemble any part of the design, so I would think it is coincidental.

stev32k

Do you think the double date would make it worth being holdered. It has a very good shot at PL, maybe even DMPL. If ever I saw a proof like Morgan this is one. It does have a lot dings on the face and in front of the face which will knock the grade down. If it were your coin would it be worth having it graded?

K6AZ

It does appear to have prooflike surfaces, but with all those hits 63 max. This date PCGS is really tight on, so I wouldn't waste the $18 plus shipping both ways on it. I have several commons like this that are going to stay raw for that reason.

As far as the doubling goes, I'm not really a variety guy, so perhaps one of the guys like jdsinva can give you some advice this evening.