1878-S VAM-18
Error
Description
1878-S VAM-18 "Spaghetti Wings" Die Gouges in Wings. Discovered by Bill Fivaz, July 1976. Revised 2014 This coin is a WOW! and a Top 30 1878-S Morgan VAM Variety '''18 (revised) II 1 • B2e (Extra Engraved Wing Feathers, Break Right Star) (184) ''' '''Obverse II 1''' - Point of fourth right star only partially broken. Diagonal die clash line extending to left from eyelid tip. (Also VAMs 59 & 72.) Radial die crack at left side of first right star with displaced field break on initial use with B2 reverse and progressing with die use. '''Reverse B2e''' - Fine engraving lines in middle of both eagle's wings where die was over polished due to incorrect basining. R in TRUST not broken. '''DPIS – In 1878 dates were part of the master die so there is no variation in position. ;Emission Sequence :Obverse: :Reverse: '''Comments: # Extraordinary die gouges within the Eagles' left and right wings from improper basining. Popular, and quite difficult to find. The VAM-18 is very rare in Mint State with only 3 specimens in MS attributed by ANACS as of early 2010. # Close examination of the obverse reveals it is the same die as used for VAMs 72 and 59. It appears to be slightly later in the progression than VAM 59 as the obverse clashing is somewhat more polished away. # The telltale difference between VAM 18 and VAM 18A is the wings themselves. They have die gouges running from 8:00 to 3:00 but under them you have some very deep gouges that run from around 11:00 to 6:00. VAM 18A is seen as the post polished version of this VAM and while the crack is noted as having the displaced break, the key is the polishing of the die. The way the wing gouges are polished down is a better diagnostic than any polishing in the fields on lower grade coins as it is also very different from to the VAM 18. # [[78-S VAM-18 vs 78-S VAM-18A.