1883-S VAM-2
Error
Description
Discovered by Charles Wallace in February 1959, the 1883-S VAM-2 is designated "S Tilted Right" for the diagnostic positioning of its San Francisco mint mark. Carrying VAM plate notation 2 III2 1 · C3b, this variety pairs a normal obverse die (III2 1) with reverse die C3b — a normal die of the C3 type distinguished by its IV S mint mark tilted slightly to the right of vertical. The subtle tilt is the sole identifying reverse feature, making this a mint mark positioning variety rather than a doubled die or repunched mint mark. San Francisco Morgan Dollars from 1883 survive in substantial numbers, yet confirming a VAM-2 requires careful comparison of the mint mark angle against reference images. The rightward tilt distinguishes this die pair from other 1883-S reverses carrying the S in a more upright orientation. Charles Wallace's 1959 documentation placed it among the earlier attributions in the VAM system that Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis would later formalize. The variety is accessible but demands deliberate examination.
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