1878-CC VAM-15

Description

Designated VAM-15 and classified as 15 II3 - B2f, this 1878 Carson City Morgan Dollar features the distinctive Spiked Lip variety discovered by Irwin Muslow in April 1973. The obverse die (II3) shows the point broken off star 4 on the right side, along with a vertical die gouge positioned between the lower lip and chin of Liberty — the characteristic that gives the variety its Spiked Lip name. The reverse die (B2f) carries a short arrow shaft, widely spaced mintmarks at medium height, with the left C doubled at the left inside and the right C displaying a diagonal spike at the left inside. These are Type III small CC mintmarks with wide spacing. Because 1878 dates were part of the master die rather than individually punched, the date position is consistent across all dies of this year. The fourth right star is confirmed as full on this die pair. The Carson City Mint operated from 1870 to 1893, producing Morgan Dollars from Comstock Lode silver that are among the most sought-after mintmarks in the entire series. The first-year 1878-CC issue holds particular appeal as the inaugural Carson City Morgan Dollar.

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