1884-S VAM-25

Description

Discovered by Alan Scott in September 2024, this San Francisco Morgan dollar is cataloged as VAM-25 under classification III2 7 with a C3a reverse, titled Far Date, Dot in Ear, carrying a rarity rating of 187. The obverse is defined by a date set further right than normal, immediately distinguishing it from most 1884-S die pairings. Within Liberty's ear opening, a dot-like patch of pitting or an unusual gouge appears at the lower interior, accompanied by diagonal lines above it. A diagonal line just to the right of the D-shaped void in the lower hair serves as an additional die marker. On the reverse, several fine lines cross the center rib of the center tail feather, while a long line passes through the inner portion of the eagle's left wing slightly above center. The date position is indexed as DPIS B34/C5. This obverse die was also used to produce the 1884-S VAM-26, placing it in a known emission sequence where collectors can study progressive die deterioration across the two pairings. As one of the most recently discovered 1884-S VAMs, this variety awaits broader recognition among die-variety specialists.

External References