Question for the VAM guys (photos added)

Blackhawk

I have a 1878 7 TF Morgan with the broken N & M...I think that it's the VAM-162. The reverse has a die scratch between the bow and the juncture of the 2nd and 3rd feather from the right in the tail. I can't find any mention of this scratch in any listing that I've seen for the 162. Is the coin that I have the VAM-162, or is there another variety with the broken N & M and the reverse die scratch?

coindeuce

The reverse of VAM 145(B2b) will have a complete r in trust and the upper left of o in God will be open at IGWT.

The reverse of VAM 162 (B2c)will have a broken r in trust and the o in God is fully closed at IGWT.

Have you ruled out the possibility that you may have VAM 110, with B2a reverse?

Wolf359

And the reverse of the much more common VAM-110 will have a complete r and a complete o.

messydesk

You have VAM 162. Many of the 1878 reverses have these stray scratches in the field as a result of die preparation. They're often not mentioned in the VAM listings but make for a good secondary diagnostic.