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 Replies: 8 / Views: 1,920 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2797 Posts |
Here's a recent acquisition. Would appreciate thoughts on grade and can you spot which VAM it is?    |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
580 Posts |
Hello Dave Not Super.
I am terrible at grading Morgans of the MS variety but I will take a shot.
A few lines behind the head and what looks to be a sweet goatee forming on Liberty's chin on the obverse. On the reverse there appears to be a spot next to the left wing...is that part of the coin or perhaps something created in the pic? Loads of luster is evident on both sides.
I would guess based on all that it would go MS64.
Also, isn't there a bajillion VAMs for this date and mint? There is an interesting area around the "D" in DOLLAR on the reverse that looks like a recessed point. Could that be the concave section they speak of in some of the VAMs? I am just starting to learn that particular field.
Anyhoo, nice coin!
Mike
Edited by mklpatrick
07/18/2008 12:16 am
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1267 Posts |
From the pics, I would agree with the ms64. I can't make out what the thing on the chin is (it's a little blurry), but it most likely keeps it out of a 65. Hammered strike and looks like there's some contrast between the obverse portrait and the fields. Nice coin.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2254 Posts |
I would think this may stand a chance at MS65. Depends, like everyone else has pointed out, what's going on with the chin. As for VAM, no clue, plus I don't have time to look through 100 plus VAM's to compare right now. I did notice that when I expand the obverse, the eyelid looks freakishly strong. |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2797 Posts |
All, The chin is actually clean ... that's a reflection. I gave her a shave before taking the pic.  Yeah there are a ton of VAMs for the 78S ... you can eliminate the long nocks (darn). You'll drive yourself crazy cherry picking VAMs if you study the entire coin. I focus on the PUPs (Pick up points). One of the PUPs for the 78S is the wings. When I look at a 78S, I first look at the nock and then the wings. If I don't see anything unusual, I move on. Anyone see anything unusual on the wings? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1219 Posts |
Nice coin, nice ms64. Had to tell from pictures but I think I see engraved wing feathers on both wings and broken r in trust. VAM 36. |
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Member
United States
3242 Posts |
MS-63 for sure with the lighting you use makes it look dark if it were lit up better maybe a MS-65 great cheeks no real dings a nice 1878-S  VAM? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2797 Posts |
We have a winner! MorgansRmine is absolutely correct ... VAM 36 "Dragon Scales" engraved wing feather. Here's a rather grainy enlargement on the right wing (left as viewed) with the scales circled.  MorgansRmine ... Here's your prize  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1219 Posts |
Thanks Dave, need a little potasium to go along with all zinc I've been getting from looking at cents.
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Replies: 8 / Views: 1,920 |
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Posted 07/17/2008 10:56 pm
