1878-S VAM-19C

Description

Discovered by Jeff Oxman in April 2024, the 1878 San Francisco Mint Morgan Dollar VAM-19C is classified as II 14 B2w (Cap Band Gouge, Over Polished Reverse, Lines in 8) with die pair 181. Struck in 90% silver, this variety represents a later die stage of the die shared with VAM-19A, where progressive wear and Mint interventions altered the die's characteristics over continued production. The obverse features a distinctive gouge in the cap band area of Liberty's Phrygian cap, providing a primary pickup point. The reverse shows evidence of over-polishing, where the Mint abraded the die surface to extend its service life, partially removing or softening design details. Lines visible in the numeral 8 of the date provide an additional obverse diagnostic. The later die stage relationship to VAM-19A documents the chronological progression of this obverse die through successive marriages. George T. Morgan's Liberty Head design on this first-year San Francisco issue provides the framework for these diagnostics. The cap band gouge and date lines anchor obverse identification, while the over-polished reverse records Mint die maintenance practices on this 1878 San Francisco emission cataloged within Oxman's recent discovery. Die crack forms in the field between the P in PLURIBUS and Liberty's hair.

External References