1901-S VAM-2

Description

Among the earliest documented VAM varieties, VAM-2 for the 1901-S Morgan Dollar was discovered by Neil Shafer in July 1964 — predating the formal VAM reference publication by over a decade and reflecting pioneering die study work. Plate designation: 2 III2 1 - C4a, plate (189). Classified as a Normal Die variety, VAM-2 establishes the baseline die characteristics for the 1901-S issue: the obverse features a closed 9 in the date, while the reverse carries an upright V S mintmark in the standard position. Normal Die varieties serve a critical function — they define the standard appearance against which all other anomalies, doubling, and positional shifts for a given date-mint are compared. Without a documented normal baseline, identifying deviations becomes subjective. The closed 9 refers to the loop being fully formed without a gap, distinguishing it from open-9 variants on other dies. San Francisco Mint production. Shafer's early contribution helped establish foundational catalog entries that subsequent researchers expanded into the comprehensive VAM system.

External References