1878-S VAM-45
Error
Description
Discovered by Leroy Van Allen, October 1980. Revised April 2024 This coin is a Top 30 1878-S Variety. 45 II 59 • B2ad (Engraved Wing Feather, 9 Upper TFs, Reverse Die used in 1879) (184) Obverse II 59 - Small die chips below eyelid, on nose, behind eye and on cheek with vertical die gouge at rear of eye. Reverse B2ad - Feather engraved between eagle’s right wing and leg. R in Trust slightly broken. Slightly doubled UNITED STATES towards rim. Two small vertical tail feathers engraved at very left side of upper tail feathers that engraver mistakenly added to normally blank area to create 9 upper tail feathers. Normal upper tail feathers next to two added ones slightly strengthened on right side as added ridge. Middle over polished outer feathers of eagle's left wing have been strengthened by engraving. ''Die marker'' - Short horizontal polishing line at top left of engraved feather area of eagle’s right wing. Same die as for 1879-S VAMs 9 and 77. Comments: # Exact same obverse die as 1878-S VAM-40, 1878-S VAM-45 & 1878-S VAM-64.