1878-CC VAM-28

Description

Among the most elusive 1878 Carson City Morgan dollars in any grade, the VAM-28 is designated Medium CC, Die Scratch E under classification II3 with a B2a reverse. The obverse II3 die features a broken point on star 4 right. Since 1878 dates were part of the master die, no date position variation exists. The reverse B2a is a normal 1878 Philadelphia Type B1 die with a long center arrow shaft, repurposed for Carson City production with medium-spaced small II CC mintmarks at medium height. A curved die scratch through the middle of the E in ONE appears on some specimens, providing a useful but inconsistently present diagnostic. The emission sequence records show this obverse was shared with VAM-4 and VAM-9 before pairing with the VAM-28 reverse. Collectors should note that a later die stage develops a fairly strong radial die crack through the 7. The 1878-CC holds distinction as the inaugural Carson City Morgan dollar, and its scarcity in any condition makes documented varieties especially prized. Start with the broken star 4 point, then look for the E scratch and medium CC placement.

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