ANACS Supports Detailed Study of 1878 CC Morgan Dollar
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Posted by: John Roberts,
on 1/22/2010,
in category "An Issue of Varieties"
Views: this article has been read 5833 times
Abstract: A new book focuses on this popular date
After three years of extensive research, a new book, A Guide to the Varieties of the 1878 Carson City Morgan Dollar by John Roberts, explores the date in greater depth than any previous work. Its listings expand and refine those found in the VAM book, the Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan & Peace Dollars by Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis. As the Director of Attribution Services for ANACS, I’ve had the opportunity to examine several thousand examples of this issue. This experience has repeatedly proven to be invaluable while writing the new guide.
In all, fourteen obverse and sixteen reverse dies have been positively identified forming twenty one distinct marriages with an additional two major stages. This is also the first published account of die progressions for the issue. The 78-CC may be found with a number of interesting features, from strongly doubled obverse dies to unusual patterns of die gouges. Many specialists will desire to collect a complete set. One of the most significant findings of the research behind the book was that a number of the older VAM listings proved to be duplications when the marriages were described in greater detail. Van Allen participated in the study and reviewed a final draft of the work. Many of his suggestions were incorporated into the publication.
Leroy Van Allen (left) and John Roberts (right) examine a Morgan Dollar
Customers with pieces encapsulated by ANACS with the VAM attribution noted on the label may wish to have the certification reviewed in light of the new research. We will review and if needed, correct the VAM attribution for free. A charge of $5 per coin (half the standard reholdering fee) plus the appropriate level of shipping and insurance apply. In particular, ANACS certified pieces with the following VAM numbers should be sent in for review:
VAMs 1, 1A, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 21, 23, 25 and 26. Additionally, VAMs 1B, 19 and 24 should be reviewed and verified as the former listings have been divided into new marriage or stage descriptions. Virtually all of these older holders would have been correct at the time they were certified. Typically, the revisions will not result in a decrease in the fair market value of the pieces. Correctly attributed coins enjoy greater liquidity in the marketplace. As the author of the new book, I will personally examine every 78-CC sent in for review.
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