EDS
Early Die State.
An EDS variety exists if there is an LDS (late die state) of the same variety that shows more of the late die features of the variety than the EDS (in just a few instances though, LDS coins may not show "more" variety features, but just different ones). These LDS features may include additional die clashing, an expanded or lengthened die crack, etc.
The EDS varieties of the 1882-O/S Morgans are perhaps the most famous EDS VAMs. These coins ended up revealing more of the O/S variety as the die aged. Yes indeed, believe it!
1882-O VAM-3
1882-O VAM-4
1882-O VAM-5
Below is an EDS of what becomes "scarface," the 1888-O VAM-1B. Notice the small die break at the dot between the E and the P. Not "scarface" yet:
We all know what happens as the break progesses during the die life. Here is an LDS of the same VAM. This one is "scarface."
So, what is worth more, the EDS stage of a VAM or the LDS stage of a VAM? That all depends on the VAM. For the 1888-O VAM-1B, it all depends on which of the 10 stages the coin represents, though generally the LDS (the true "scarface") is worth much more. However, with the 1882-O/S varieties, the EDS stages can be worth much more than the LDS stages due to rarity. Bottom Line: With any VAM, do your research to make sure you know what you're really getting before you buy. Incidentally, the link to the VAMview issue that has the article on the Harrison Stages of the 1888-O VAM-1B is [[1]]
As long as we're on the subject, please note that the coins in the two slabs shown below are not "Scarface". These are the early die state (EDS) of the coin that becomes Scarface. They are collectible but are worth much less than a real Scarface. Even though one of the slabs actually uses the word "Scarface" on the slab, the key is still the word "EDS".
Please click this link for the full VAMworld.com definitions page.
