1882-S VAM-9

Description

Discovered by Pete Bishal in December 1974 and revised in December 2011 and July 2016, the 1882-S VAM-9 Morgan dollar is designated Doubled 1882, S Tilted Left under classification III2 8, with reverse C3b. Every date digit shows doubling: the 1 slightly on the right side of its vertical shaft; the left 8 on the right outside of the upper loop; the right 8 at the left outside of the upper loop and right outside of the lower loop; and the 2 at the top and right outside of its upper loop, with a die chip inside the left of the lower loop. The reverse diagnostic is the S mintmark tilted left, immediately separating this from other 1882-S die pairings. Multiple revisions over four decades reflect ongoing refinement of VAM attributions as imaging technology improves. The 1882-S was struck in large quantities and is widely available in Mint State, but a doubled date paired with a tilted mintmark creates a desirable combination. Start with the 2's doubling and die chip, then confirm the leftward S tilt.

External References