1896-S VAM-8

Description

Discovered by Leroy Van Allen in May 1983, the 1896-S Morgan Dollar VAM-8 is classified as III2 6 - C3e and carries the dual-diagnostic title "Doubled 6, S/S Down." The obverse die III2 6 shows the numeral 6 doubled at the top outside of the upper loop, while the reverse C3e die reveals a repunched mintmark — the original S shows as two thin arcs at the left side of the upper loop opening, with the middle shaft doubled at the bottom. This dual attribution of obverse date doubling combined with reverse mintmark repunching makes VAM-8 a variety with diagnostic features on both sides of the coin, increasing its appeal to collectors who value the richer attribution story. The S/S Down designation indicates the original mintmark was placed below the final corrected position. George T. Morgan's Liberty portrait with Phrygian cap faces left on the obverse, while the heraldic eagle appears on the reverse above the S mintmark. The 1896-S was struck at the San Francisco Mint in 90% silver at 26.73 grams and 38.1 mm diameter, with a mintage of just 5,000,000 pieces — a moderate production figure that makes this date somewhat challenging in higher grades. Van Allen's discovery of this variety in 1983 places it among the earlier documented entries in what would become the comprehensive VAM catalog, discovered by one of the two architects of the entire attribution system.

External References