Slanted 1890

[bownarrow]

This coin has eluded me for a while now. It's not the other slanted dates VAM-17, 17A, or the far date VAM-7. I landed on VAM-14 because I ruled out all the other slanted dates.

There is no trace of a bump in front of the nose. The field is as flat as it can be. VAM-14 was once 1J and on that page it says some of these don't have the bump. It was too difficult for me to verify the ear doubling...I think I can see the profile doubling but I don't trust myself with that either. It might be in part because NGC graded this PL and my eyes aren't trained enough to know whether I'm seeing doubling or reflection from the fields.

Mine seems to have a really strong slant to it, doesn't it? That 0 looks flying high to me. Is this the VAM-14 or are these issues enough to put VAM-14 in doubt? Will put more effort into it, post better photos, because it's plausible the only feature from VAM-14 it has is the slanted date.

[alefzero]

Slanted dates are not always listed as such, especially in older book listings. Might march through the listings and just sidestep the near and far date ones.

[messydesk]

From what I can see on your coin, I'd probably call it VAM 14. Date in normal position, slanted upward. The doubling on the ear might not be visible on yours, since the obverse looks EDS, and the doubling on the right inside of the ear usually shows up with die wear.