1886-S VAM-1

Description

The baseline normal die for the 1886 San Francisco Morgan Dollar, VAM-1 is classified as 1 II2 1, C3a (Normal Die). The obverse is a normal die of the III2 type with a closed 6 in the date. The reverse is a normal die of the C3 type featuring a medium type IV S mint mark that is centered and upright. Some specimens from this die pair show die chips in the bottom loop of the 6 and in letters of the motto on the reverse, evidence of minor die deterioration that accumulated during the production run. These die chips, while not significant enough to warrant a separate VAM designation, provide useful die state markers that help collectors determine where their specimen falls in the sequence of coins struck from this die pair. Early die state examples will lack the chips, while later strikes will show progressively more pronounced chipping. The 1886-S Morgan Dollar had a relatively modest mintage from the San Francisco Mint, making it a date that commands attention across all die states and VAM attributions within the series.

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