Looking For Help With An 1878-S

Fascinating coin. I'm "kind of" comfortable with calling it the B2d reverse based on the D - you'll have to confirm your comfort with the doubling based on personal observation - and that would limit us to VAM-17 or 66. We have to be comfortable with that D first.

Have a look at LIBERTY for the line in IB known to VAM-66. How's the wear/polishing level in the lower hair?

The denticle impressions and stuff known for the VAM-17 reverse are sort of negotiable. They're very prominent on this VAM, probably the most prominent in the series, but still subject to wear and multiple die states are known. Also, poke your nose at VAM-114. This one is still evolving - the reverse die got around.

Thanks for the input!

I re-checked for the IB line of the 66, and... negative. Not sporting the line. Spent some time with the 114. Solid suggestion. However, no go on the double eye-lid and nothing resembling the spike. I checked the discovery pics and I don't see the die scratches in the hair that my piece is displaying... Which, right or wrong, again takes me back to the 17's. All of which are b2d's. I am 100% confident in the D being 'the one'. But... lol

Per the counterfeit caution. Excellent suggestion/observation. The thought crossed my mind when I first noted the pitting/slag/stem melted appearance. Date, lettering, remainder of the piece et al. would make it the best knock-off I've ever personally seen. Around here in Michigan, though, the knock-offs are almost always CC's; if other dates, SO bad that... well, they're bad. Really, really bad. That, and I conferred with some trusted personal friends. We're more than confident that it is legit. A sincere thank you for pointing that out, though. That is a caution that should be given more often. Especially to us 'reformed copper guys'. lol

On the note of this mystery pitting/slag 'stuff': I just realized I forgot a photo yesterday, and to add this 'stuff' is also visible in the lower right tail feathers as well. This is likely of no assistance (sure hasn't been to me), but just thought I'd put that out there in-case someone with a similar piece strolls past this thread.

Thanks again!

If it's a 17, the pitting (that's die rust, I think, cdnmace) represents an unknown die state. And if anyone's capable of taking detail images sufficient to VAMworld's highest standard, it's John.

I like Dave's idea, cdnmace. VSS is thought of highly around here and by the VAMming world, and for $6 plus shipping/insurance you can't go wrong. I normally prefer keeping attributions in-house for the benefit of the membership, but this one's a candidate for professional help IMO. John Baumgart is as "professional" as it gets when it comes to VAMming.

http://varslab.com/

Excellent. John will be able to attribute it, and if he feels it's something different, his word carries a ton of weight in the specialty.

Aaaaaaaad...BOOM. He nails it! Thanks! And thanks all for the tip about Mr. Baumgart; that is a resource that I will use in the future. Thanks again!!

Cheers!