1883-S VAM-12

Description

Documented with a 2013 discovery date, the 1883-S VAM-12 is catalogued as 12 III2 2 C3c for Doubled 18-3, S Set Left, Pitted Bow. The obverse die III2 2 is most notable in its early die state for scribbling die scratches across Liberty's face and jaw — marks made by the engraver attempting to eliminate die rust pitting before the die entered service. A short heavy polishing line at the top right outside of the ear serves as a reliable marker. The reverse die C3c introduces two defining features: the IV-style S mintmark is set to the left at normal height, and fine die rust pitting covers the left outside of the wreath bow, extending toward the fifth left tail feather and above the E of ONE. This pitting texture enables immediate field identification. The abrasion work on Liberty's face documented in the early die state is a well-known mint practice; when pitting was light, engravers would attempt to polish it away rather than discard the die. The 1883-S Morgan Dollar was struck at San Francisco in moderate quantities.

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