1881-S VAM-21

Description

Discovered by Oscar Simpson in March 1977, the 1881-S VAM-21 is catalogued as 21 III2 8 · C3k (Doubled 88, S Tilted Right), a San Francisco Mint Morgan Dollar variety sharing its reverse die with 1881-S VAM-23. The obverse doubling is precise: the first 8 is doubled on the top surface inside and bottom outside of the lower loop, and left inside and right outside of the upper loop; the second 8 shows a bulge at the top left outside of the lower loop. Together, the doubled 88 creates a visible thickening on both digits under low magnification. The reverse die C3k features a medium mintmark centered but tilted right, with loops partially filled — an independent confirmation point beyond the obverse doubling. The shared reverse die history is well-documented: this exact reverse die C3k produced both 1881-S VAM-23 and 1881-S VAM-21 in sequence. San Francisco Morgans from the 1880s, struck in 90% silver, are prized for consistently high strike quality, and the 1881-S is well-represented in high grades — making VAM-21 accessible for collectors who seek high-quality examples of this attributable variety.

External References