1886 (S) Morgan Dollar - VAM-1B

Description

Discovered in 2011 by Brent Fogelberg, the 1886-S VAM-1B Morgan Dollar is classified III2 1 - C3a for Die Chip in O, a straightforward variety defined by a die chip at the bottom inside of the O in OF on the reverse. While die chips are among the simpler die anomalies, this variety's research notes reveal interesting die-state progression: it appears to share the same die pair as the 1886-S VAM-1A, and the lines in the digit 6 of the date that define VAM-1A disappear on later die state coins while being strong on some specimens where the chip is present — establishing a chronological relationship between the two varieties. The notation that VAM-1B appears far more common than VAM-1A suggests the die chip developed during the production run, meaning most coins from this die pair were struck after the chip formed. The 1886-S Morgan Dollar was struck at the San Francisco Mint in 90% silver (10% copper) at 26.73 grams, 38.1 mm diameter with a reeded edge. The San Francisco Mint, established during the California Gold Rush, was one of three facilities producing Morgan Dollars. Die chips on Morgan Dollars are progressive — they begin as microscopic stress fractures and grow with continued die use, eventually becoming large enough to produce visible raised areas on struck coins.

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