1897-S VAM-5

Description

Discovered by Leonard Hinckley in February 1974, the 1897-S VAM-5 is classified III2 4 - C3a with DPIS 187 and named Doubled 1. On the obverse die III2 4, the leading digit 1 of the date is doubled slightly at the bottom of the upper crossbar — a subtle but attributable feature that rewards careful examination under magnification. The same obverse die III2 4 is shared by VAM-5, VAM-5A, VAM-6, and VAM-6A, making the reverse die the distinguishing factor when separating these four closely related varieties. VAM-5 and VAM-5A are the exact same die pair; the difference between them is a die clashing event — and, in most cases, a subsequent repolishing of the reverse die — that transformed VAM-5 into VAM-5A. Collectors encountering an unclashed example should attribute it to VAM-5, while a clashed example from the same obverse generally belongs to VAM-5A. The 1897-S Morgan dollar was struck in 90% silver at San Francisco with a mintage of around 5.8 million, a moderately available date that offers excellent opportunities for cherry-picking die varieties in circulated and lower mint-state grades.

External References