Die cracks obv/rev, even through the wings? Strong clash between wreath & wing. Few hits to the face, clashes or??? Will add 2 more pix next post.
Thanks for any replies, just want to make sure I add any info to the eBay listing(& gently pat the tears away before she goes away, sob!)
The die clashes and die cracks are the common ones that do not add any substantial premium to the coin. Chris
The coin also has noticeable wear in the high spots, despite clean fields. It is a somewhat strange appearing Morgan.
Thanks for the replies! Morgandude, could you see any that you'd like closer shots of? I've used my loupe & microscope on the coin & paid close attention to the high spots(lock above ear, lock above 18(86), Cap tip & breast. There are luster breaks(I assumed were from me trying to photograph her for 3 days with very poor lighting results). But if the concensus is circulated after magnification then I can list her as AU. Again, thanks.
I would say AU, as there are clear luster breaks, and some wear around the cap, eagle's breastbone, and wing tips. It is a lightly circulated coin.
With all those cracks it has to be a VAM of one kind or other. If somebody can identify it for you you might want to note the designation in your listing. It wouldn't hurt. It's cleaned and re-tarnished. What we're calling "luster breaks" is where that's seen. That's where the surface took the rub and never looked back. It's most notable in those flat areas on the reverse. I don't know that it would be worth mentioning, though. I've seen much, much worse.
ALL Morgan and Peace dollars are VAM's. The normal die pairing is usually listed as VAM-1. The OP would be very lucky to find the correct VAM based on a common crack or clash because they aren't usually listed in the descriptions unless they are used to determine a die state. He would need to find a significant marker such as doubling, a letter transfer from a clash or even possibly a gouge to help find the correct VAM. You have to remember that 130-150 tons psi was used to strike the Morgans, so cracks are prevalent for almost every date/mintmark. Heck, one of the first dies used for the 1878 shattered after striking a little more than 300 coins. Chris
Like some So-Called Dollars, some VAM's can be pretty interesting. I'm just not one of the VAMpires that has to have one of everything regardless of grade, condition or appeal. I think one of my favorites is the 1882-CC VAM-3 series. There is about a 5-coin progression showing the formation and lengthening of certain obverse die cracks throughout the life of the die. Chris
