1882-S VAM-41

Description

Discovered in 2021 by Brian Haight, VAM-41 of the 1882-S Morgan Dollar carries the classification III2 27 · C3m and presents a triply doubled date alongside a tilted mintmark and engraved wreath leaves. The obverse doubling spans three digits: the left 8 doubled at the right outside of both loops, the right 8 slightly doubled at the top outside of the upper loop, and the 2 with slight doubling at the top outside and stronger doubling at the right outside of the upper loop. Die polishing lines within TY of LIBERTY provide the obverse marker. On the reverse, the IV S mint mark sits a little high and tilts left. The most distinctive reverse feature involves wreath leaves strengthened through engraving — hand-cut reinforcement visible opposite ON of ONE and U and IT of UNITED. Die polishing lines in the wing-neck gap confirm the reverse die. The San Francisco Mint's 1882 output exceeded 9.2 million pieces, and the combination of date doubling with deliberately engraved wreath leaves makes VAM-41 an especially interesting variety reflecting both mechanical error and intentional die modification.

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