Hello VAMWORLD!

[la_isla]

Brand new to the site. First post. From what I've read here this is a wonderful resource. I'm fascinated by coin collecting, particularly Morgan's and believe this is the place to learn much more. I've always admired the artisans, the mint men & mint women, of years past. Each of the coins they made are works of art.
I'm retiring in a month and figure now I have some time to do something I enjoy. Until now I haven't given my Morgan's any thought beyond occasional admiration. I had several Morgan's handed down.
I'm sure there are more than a few experts here who can help me understand VAM's better and what I've got. I'm drawn to the thought that the coin minting process was in an era before electricity and modern tool.

None of my coins have been graded. I have a Morgan where the right serif of the M in UNUM is missing. There is a PGS 1878 #97077 with the same exact conditions. The missing serif on the M is not mentioned in the description on PGS #97077. On my coin there is also a faint double edge on the obverse that runs on and off for 30 degrees of the coin. The coin seems thicker in this area but it doesn't look like an off center strike. The third issue with the coin is the I in PLURIBUS is missing the left half of the serif. I don't have a loupe or microscope but it is apparent to the naked eye. Any information you have on these oddities would be appreciated and if they are undiscovered VAM's I would be ecstatic.

Thank you for having me. I look forward to any comments you may have.

la_isla

[lured_in_again]

Welcome to the site.... the broken N and M of UNUM is found on 6 VAMs of 1878.. 1878-P VAM 31, 1878-P VAM-40, 1878-P VAM-110, 1878-P VAM-145, 1878-P VAM-162, and 1878-P VAM-200. Each of those VAMs will have another feature making it distinct from the other 5. Just a nudge in the right direction....

[DHalladay]

Welcome to the Madness!

[messydesk]

Welcome! The broken N and M in UNUM is a result of a hub break. A hub is what is used to make dies that make coins. This appears on just a few different VAMs for 1878 (31, 40, 110, 145, 162, 200). As you study these more closely, you'll want to get a 10x loupe, but it's good that you're starting without one so that you see "big picture" things first.

If you haven't read it yet, go to What is a VAM? and Morgan Attribution 101 for some good background information.

[colwillys]

Welcome
Now done let this Morgan guy lead you only to the easy side of VAMs .. The Darkside is the FUN side PEACE DOLLARS .
But if you only want to work with Morgan dollars send me your Peace Dollars .. Now go out their and have FUN.

[la_isla]

Super~! Thanks for all the info and glad to be part of the madness.

[HawkeEye]

Welcome and bring other Morgan collectors along with you

[bob259]

The Darkside is the FUN side PEACE DOLLARS

I love my Morgans BUT there are so many awesome VAMs on Peace Dollars. Enjoy them both.

[Geseas]

...I don't have a loupe or microscope but it is apparent to the naked eye...

Welcome!

You have a unique perspective when considering the note above. (I took it out of context.)

How long can you put aside having a loupe/microscope/magnifying device.? Or, is it already too late?

Thank you for your insight.

[la_isla]

It's to late. But still no loupe or microscope. I've been using a UltraOptix.

[Geseas]

"Is it already too late" may not have been the right phrase.
I am noticing when I take one step forward I leave choices behind. I wish I had angled an interesting coin in a different light, reflected some onto a coin surface with a mirror, learn to kind of check out the coins circulation history with the naked eye first; before the loupe.
Just like you are doing.