1881-S VAM-1C2
Error
Description
Originally discovered by George Powell in April 2004 and revised by Nico Marcus in August 2022, VAM-1C2 of the 1881-S Morgan dollar is classified as 1C2 III21 - C3a from die pair 187. The variety is identified as "Die Chip in Leaves #2, Acid Treated Leaves," with the Reverse C3a displaying a die chip on the wreath leaves opposite the I in UNITED, positioned notably higher than the chip found on the related VAM-16. A later die stage reveals acid treatment on two lower wreath leaves above the N in ONE, a deliberate post-production die modification that altered the leaf surfaces. The presence of both a die chip and acid-treated surfaces across different die stages provides a compelling progression narrative, documenting how this die evolved from initial chipping through intentional surface treatment during its working life at the San Francisco Mint.
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