1882-S VAM-38

Description

Discovered in 2018 and revised the following year, the 1882-S VAM-38 Morgan dollar pairs an III2 10 obverse with a C3a reverse, carrying the designation Doubled 882 and Cap Top, Gouge 8 Loop. The obverse die is shared with VAM-11 but represents an earlier state, distinguished by a diagonal die gouge on the left side of the lower loop of the left 8. The 882 digits and the cap top show hub doubling consistent with the III2 classification. On the reverse, this die is the same as 1882-S VAM-37 and VAM-37A but in a later state, with polishing lines mostly worn away. Catalogers note that the obverse die of VAM-37A was likely retired early due to a gouge on Liberty's forehead, making this reverse's continued use across multiple obverse pairings a point of research interest. The same reverse die shared among VAM-37, VAM-37A, and VAM-38 demonstrates the Mint's practice of rotating reverse dies through successive obverse pairings. The 1882-S Morgan is common in Mint State, but documented doubled-date VAMs with clear die progression histories attract dedicated collectors. III2 10 • C3a (Doubled 882 & Cap Top, Gouge 8 Loop) (187) Obverse III2 10 - Same die as VAM 11 but earlier die state, with diagonal die gouge on left 8 left side of lower loop. Reverse C3a - Same die as 1882-S VAM-37 & 1882-S VAM-37A, but later die state with polishing lines mostly worn away.

External References