1878 Morgan Dollar - Reverse of 1879 - VAM-221
ErrorDescription
Cataloged under the Reverse of 1879 parent, VAM-221 on the 1878-P Morgan Dollar features a "Cut Down A" and "Doubled Left Reverse." The cut-down A describes a reverse letter A physically filed or polished to reduce part of the letter, creating a visibly truncated stroke. The doubled left reverse indicates hub doubling concentrated on the left portion of George T. Morgan's reverse die. Discovered by Leroy Van Allen — co-creator of the VAM system alongside A. George Mallis — in December 1965, the variety was revised in 2010 into sub-varieties VAM-221-1 and VAM-221-2 as distinguishable features were identified. The 1878 Philadelphia Morgan Dollar holds landmark status as the first year of the series, struck in 90% silver at 26.73 grams on 38.1mm planchets. Examine the reverse for the cut-down A and compare left-side elements against a standard specimen for doubling.
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