1878-S Morgan with lines in eagle's right wing - New Pics

nesvt

Just wondering if anyone has seen this before on an 1878-S. It might be tough to see in the photos. There's an area on the eagle's right wing (viewer's left) that has many small lines. It looks like someone engraved some feathers to fill an area that was overpolished.

messydesk

I have not, but I also haven't looked a tons of 78-S coins. Is there an engraved feather between that wing and the leg? If so, those are pretty good markers for a lot of known dies. We should be able to determine if it's an uncataloged die or a missed feature.

jdsinva

Like John said, we need to see a wing where it joins the eagle's right leg. . .

nesvt

Here's another image. The coin has AU details but looks cleaned/sanded.

jdsinva

I want to say a VAM 8 but it's been a while since I've looked at one and my notes are at home while I'm at work ,

wam98

VAM-8 has that engraved patch. Look for the long die scratch on the forehead. Also VAM-85. VAM-8A has a die chip on the E of UNITED.
.

wam98

Also check the Eagle's left wing for rust or pitting of the die.

nesvt

Thanks (again) guys. I'll go with VAM 8. There is a long scratch coming from her hair.

Those lines in the eagle's right wing are odd, but I know everything looks odd when maginfied 100 times.

AU58WALKERS

cool

jdsinva

Norm,

It is a VAM 8, confirmed in my notes and in the 78-S attribution guide. . .

Edited to say: oops, Wayne already said that!

coindeuce

Norm, I noticed that as well a few months ago while attributing a quantity of '78-S. I've accumulated several of them, with the expectation that they would be recognized soon enough. Thanks for the hi res. pics.