1887-S VAM-12A

Description

Discovered in 2012, the 1887-S VAM-12A carries the classification III2 8·C3c and the title Doubled 88, Very Near Date, High S, Die Break Cap Top. The obverse III2 8 die exhibits a horizontal die crack above the Phrygian cap with a slight displaced field break, indicating a die at an advanced stage of deterioration. Tiny die gouges originally visible above the RI in PLURIBUS have worn away, placing most surviving examples in a later die stage. The combination of doubled 88 digits, a very near date placement, a mintmark set high, and a cap-top die break gives collectors four distinct diagnostics to confirm attribution. The San Francisco Mint struck approximately 1.77 million Morgan Dollars in 1887 — a moderately low mintage that enhances collectibility. VAM collecting for S-mint Morgans is especially active, as San Francisco's high strike quality makes die characteristics easier to identify. All four features must be confirmed before attribution can be considered complete.

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