1898-S VAM-4

Description

Discovered by Leroy Van Allen in June 1966 — during the early years of what would become the comprehensive VAM classification system — the 1898-S VAM-4 Morgan Dollar is designated as III25 · C3c (Near Date, S/S Right) with die pairing number 187. The obverse (III25) features a "Near Date" position where the date is set closer to the rim than the standard placement, and late die states show a small die chip developing below the Phrygian cap fold on Liberty\'s head, a progressive deterioration marker that helps identify advanced die states within this variety. The reverse (C3c) exhibits the S/S Right repunched mintmark — a type IV S mintmark doubled at the right of the top serif and below the bottom serif, indicating the corrective second punch shifted the letter to the left, leaving remnants of the initial impression visible at the right extremities. Some outer leaves of the right wreath are slightly doubled toward the rim, an additional hub doubling feature present on this reverse die. The reverse die marker consists of double vertical die scratches positioned in the middle of the eagle\'s right wing, providing a precise identification feature within the eagle\'s detailed plumage. The Morgan Dollar was designed by George T. Morgan and struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1898, composed of 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. The 1898-S had a mintage of approximately 4.10 million pieces, making it a moderately scarce date in the series. The combination of near-date positioning, repunched mintmark, and wreath doubling provides three independent diagnostic features for attribution, each observable on a different area of the coin.

External References