Found some other images that I took over a year ago. My camera setup has changed too many times. Need to get things straightened out again. I like the old images better.
The thing I noticed was the reverse lettering seemed very uneven and weak in some points for the wear with so much rim left. That made me think counterfeit right away.
Coin was sent to Leroy Van Allen. Came back yesterday. It is the new VAM 45A. VAM 45 and 45A are not counterfeit. They have over polished and "acid treated" dies. The discovery coin for VAM 45 was originally identified as a "privately made" coin. It was changed "in May 2011 to have acid treated leaves instead of being a counterfeit. Die variety VAM 45 is genuine and not counterfeit."
It must have been He** to work in a Mint back in the 1800's and early 1900's. Can you imagine? Acids, molten metal, cutting machines, stamping machines, milling tools and machines. And many of the workers wore dresses!
Well, now get it graded!
bob
Registry: CC lowballs (boblindstrom), bobinvegas1989@yahoo.com
Nice coin! The acid treated dies, for those not into VAMs, are seen on a handful of 1878-S and 1879-S reverse dies (and maybe one 1878-S or 79-S obverse?). The mint experimented with various ways of restoring or strengthening design elements that were polished away, including using acid to "blend in" the overpolished areas. Usually, these areas are the central parts of the eagle's wings and the space between the eagle's right (viewer's left) wing and the leg. The results, as seen on coins like this one, and 1878-S VAMs 36, 50, 76, 81, look like blotchy splashes of metal on the design. Whether this was more effective than hand-engraving the missing detail (1878-S VAM 18 is a good example) is debatable, but the result is we have come cool coins today because of it.
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bob
I'll add a few more close-ups in a few minutes.
What VAM is this?
bob
<< <i>What VAM is this? >>
If I tell you, my silly game will be over.
I'm leaning to 62, but I'm not sure.
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I was told it's a VAM 45. Privately made. Counterfeit.
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VAMworld thread
I've looked at it now 4 times. While it might be indeed a VAM-45, Leroy should see it.
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type2,CCHunter.
Many members on this forum that now it cannot fit in my signature. Please ask for entire list.
VAM 45 and 45A are not counterfeit. They have over polished and "acid treated" dies.
The discovery coin for VAM 45 was originally identified as a "privately made" coin. It was changed "in May 2011 to have acid treated leaves instead of being a counterfeit. Die variety VAM 45 is genuine and not counterfeit."
imagine? Acids, molten metal, cutting machines, stamping machines, milling tools and
machines. And many of the workers wore dresses!
Well, now get it graded!
bob
Successful Trades: Swampboy,
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution