1878 8TF $1 VAM 9, First Die Pair TOP 100 AU55 Certification #47506994, PCGS #133792

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.