1878 8TF $1 VAM 9, First Die Pair TOP 100 MS62 认证号05185203, PCGS号133792

A * This coin is - in my opinion - a Specimen Die. There are no die cracks. There are very early lathe marks in the rim indicating one of the earliest strikes. The coin is PL to DMPL but toned lustrous black. This was Leroy Van Allen's coin and he had it listed as a Specimen as well.

Ron Guth

Experts consider the 1878 VAM 9 to be the very first die pair used to strike Morgan Dollars, based on identification of a presentation piece once owned by President Rutherford B. Hayes.  The reverse is distinctive due to an odd-shaped, diagnostic feather on the right side (viewer's side) of the eagle (see image above).  A few Prooflike examples have appeared on the market and they are sometimes called Presentation pieces.  PCGS has certified two PL examples.