1878-S VAM-20
Error
Description
Discovered by Leroy Van Allen in June 1977, this San Francisco Morgan dollar is cataloged as VAM-20 under classification II 15 with a B2o reverse, titled Concave Obverse, Engraved Wing Feather, carrying a rarity rating of 184. The obverse features a slightly concave field creating a subtle dish-like curvature. The fourth right star is broken and die chips appear on the surface of the E, while the R in TRUST remains unbroken. Since 1878 dates were part of the master die, no date position variation exists. This obverse die II 15 saw prolific service across VAM-101, VAM-83, VAM-49, 49A, 103, 133, 133A, and 134. The reverse is shared among VAM-16, 16A, 20, and 28, with the engraved wing feather between the eagle's right wing and leg as the B2o distinguishing feature. The concave field is best appreciated by viewing at an angle under a single light, where reflections sweep differently than on a flat-fielded specimen.
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