Lot 1274
1878. 8 Tail Feathers. VAM-9 First Die Marriage. Top-100. NGC graded AU-53. Vary rare die variety. Evenly worn. Pop 4; 11 finer, 3 in 55, 2 in 58, 1 in 61, 2 in 62, 1 in 63, 1 in 64, 1 in 64 Star. (PCGS # 7072) .
According to researchers at VAMworld, "The 1878 VAM-9 Morgan Silver Dollar is the very first set of dies used to strike Morgan dollars! The 1878 VAM-9 is an 8 tailfeather coin with the A1h reverse. Detective work has revealed they began striking the new Morgan coins at 3:17 PM on March 11, 1878. The combination of the die and the time is known because a reporter was present at the event and the first coins struck were presentation pieces for President Hayes. His specific coin has been preserved and studied for die features and subsequently identified as a VAM-9. According to a reporter present, only 303 pieces were struck when the die failed and new ones had to be used. The reverse die is identifiable because of the "comma" feather on the lower right side as looking at the eagle. Some VAmmers describe this feather as kidney-bean shaped and it is a key identifier of a VAM-9.".
Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400.
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| Realized $1,674 |
