Morgan Specialist - Please take a look at this 1878s

Windycity

Just picked up this 1878 S Morgan and noticed two things which seem a bit odd. Please take a look at the obverse hairline near the neck... appears to be missing a significant amount of the hairline yet otherwise it is a strong strike.

On the reverse, the "D" in Dollar appears to be a doubled die. Note both the upper left portion and the lower bar of the D.

Is this common? A VAM?

I can post or email a higher resolution picture if needed.

thanks for any help you can provide.

nesvt

It looks like a VAM 17
17(revised) II 13 · B2d (Doubled D, Over Polished Lower Obverse) (184) I-2 R-4
Obverse II 13– Bottom of die over polished with shallow date and missing portions of lower hair line. First 8 has small die chip on right side between loops.
Reverse B2d– D in DOLLAR doubled at left top outside and at left and right bottom outside. Small III S mint mark set slightly to left. R in Trust not broken. Earliest die state has horizontal polishing lines below middle tail feathers.

You should also check for the attributes of a VAM 17A
17A(revised) II 13 · B2d (Doubled D, Denticle Impressions) (184) I-4 R-6
Obverse II 13– 7 has raised slanted dash at very bottom.
Reverse B2d– Slightly raised denticle impressions thru OLL in DOLLAR, below OL and four slanted impressions below left tail feathers.

Windycity

Thanks... upon closer look I would agree VAM 17. Here is another photo which also shows an unusual identifying mark... the fourth star from the 8 is missing a point. Also, this photo shows the die polishing in the hair in more detail.

nesvt

Yes... from the VAM Book for the 1878-S
"Normal die of 1878-P type II with a broken point off number 4 star..."