1895-S VAM-1B

Description

Discovered by Bobby Jenkins in October 2009, 1895-S VAM-1B is a San Francisco Mint Morgan dollar catalogued as 1B III2 1 C3a with the attribution Die Gouge Wing Top. The obverse, classified as III2 1 Die 1, carries a pointed diagonal die scratch in the denticle space below the right side of the 9. Heavy vertical and diagonal polishing lines inside the ear serve as the primary obverse die marker. The reverse, C3a Die 1, is defined by a heavy wide striated die gouge in the field at the eagle's right shoulder and wing junction, the feature that names the variety. A vertical die scratch at the right outside of the wreath bow provides an additional reverse marker. Die gouges of this type arise from metal particles or tool contact during die finishing, creating permanent raised marks on all coins struck from that die. The 1895-S Morgan dollar is a key date in the San Francisco series with relatively modest survivors in collectible grades. Morgan dollars are 90% silver, designed by George T. Morgan. The wing-junction gouge and the ear polishing lines are the two most accessible identification anchors, and both should be confirmed under magnification before attributing 1895-S VAM-1B.

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