Thanks Coinfrog and VAMsforMoney. Your opinion is much appreciated. I was hoping that perhaps a rogue die maker had a little artistic "say" in one of his creations and added a little extra flourish for as long as the die lasted.
Well if it is damage to the coin, it sure has an artistic flair to it. Regardless, I said I'd post a pic of the reverse so here that is. I'm guessing that the damage was intentional even if it was not in the die. Thanks.
I have recently inherited some coins and I have one in particular that has an anomaly that I have not seen on any other example of Morgan dollar regardless of year or mint. I am hoping someone in this forum can explain what I have. The photo is from the obverse side of a 1883 S. The anomaly is the 4, actually 5 as the very top one is quite small, flourishes behind the head dress and the hair bun. Thanks, Ed