1878 Morgan Dollar - Reverse of 1878 - VAM-129A

Description

Paired with a Reverse of 1878, this Philadelphia Mint Morgan Dollar carries the VAM-129A designation, discovered in April 2004 by Mark Kimpton and renumbered from VAM-131C2 in November 2022. Classified as II 2, B2a (Die Scratch Through IB, Clashed Obverse n), the obverse exhibits a clashed die with a faint partial incuse n of "In" from the reverse appearing next to Liberty's neck. DPIS notes that in 1878, dates were part of the master die, so there is no variation in position. Unlike its Reverse of 1879 counterpart sharing the same VAM number, this listing pairs with the original Reverse of 1878, identified by its distinct eagle tail feather configuration. The former VAM-131C2 designation was retired in the November 2022 renumbering. Struck in 90% silver at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1878 Morgan Dollar launched the series under the Bland-Allison Act. The Reverse of 1878 pairing represents the earliest reverse design used during the series' inaugural production run, before modifications led to the Reverse of 1879 subtype. Collectors seeking this variety should verify both the die scratch through IB and the reverse type for accurate attribution.

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