1878-P Morgan Dollar VAM-8 "Stick Feather": How to Identify It

The 1878-P VAM-8, known as the "Stick Feather," is a Hot 50 Morgan VAM. Paul Williams discovered it in August 1966. NGC recognizes it, and the source describes it as a tough variety.

What makes it different

The reverse is the draw. The A1g reverse is unique among 8 Tail Feather Morgans. It carries two small feathers on the eagle's right and one long feather on the eagle's left, between the leg and the bottom of the wing. That long, stick-shaped feather gives the variety its name.

How to identify it

• Reverse: doubling on the left side, top and bottom, including the legend, wreath, star and wing tip. The top of UNITED is tripled. The wreath to the left of the ribbon bow is heavily polished, with parts of leaves missing and two disconnected leaves left of the bow.

• Obverse: E PLUR of the motto is doubled on the left side and top. All left stars are doubled. In the date, the 8 is doubled at the bottom inside the lower loop and the 7 is doubled on the left side of the vertical shaft.

• Other markers: a chip on Liberty's forehead, fine polishing lines in the recessed area of the cap, and unique cracks around the date. Late die states show cracks in the first U of UNUM.

What buyers and collectors should know

Because the stick feather and the disconnected leaves are on the reverse, buyers can confirm the variety quickly with a loupe. Collectors value it because the reverse die is found on no other 8 Tail Feather coin, which makes attribution clean.

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