1878 VAM-14.XX 8TF Morgan Dollars, why?

Buddyboy

Why are there so many 1878 8TF VAMs which start with the number 14? Is there something in common that I am missing? They really can't be sub-varieties, so it must be something else!
Bud

Wolf359

Well note the gaps in 1878 VAM numbers. 1-23 (8TF coins). Then 30-45 (7/8). Then 70-84 (7TF Long Nock). Then 100 (7TF Short Nock). All by reverse type.

My guess is Leroy Van Allen and George Mallis assigned #'s 1-15 for 8TF Morgans with an A1 reverse. And they ran out of numbers, as 16-23 were already set aside for A2/A1 reverse type. Buy why they aren't called 15.1, 15.2, etc is a question for Leroy.

I should add that 14.5 thru 14.20 were later discoveries...