1878 Morgan Dollar - Reverse of 1879 - VAM-222A

Description

Carrying the coveted Hit List 40 designation — reserved for the forty most sought-after Morgan VAM varieties — the 1878-P VAM-222A paired with the Reverse of 1879 is classified as 222A II 2 C3b (Cut Down A, Die Chips Mouth) at rarity 178. This 90% silver Morgan Dollar features die chips above and below Liberty's lips on obverse II 2, and a "cut down A" on the reverse where the letter was modified in the die. The Reverse of 1879 hub, distinguished by its parallel top arrow feather and rounded breast, is the later of two reverse designs used on 1878 Morgan Dollars. Seldom encountered in Mint State, most known examples grade XF to low AU, contributing to the Hit List 40 recognition that marks it as a key target for advanced VAM collectors. George T. Morgan's inaugural dollar, struck at 412.5 grains at Philadelphia, exists with both Reverse of 1878 (flat breast, slanted arrow feather) and Reverse of 1879 pairings. VAM-222A under the Reverse of 1879 parent represents a specific die marriage from the transitional period when both reverse hubs were in simultaneous use during the first year of production. 1878-P VAM-222A Cut Down A, Die Chips Mouth Discovered by Michael Fey, October 1999.

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