1902-S VAM-5

Description

Discovered by Martin Field in November 1978, the 1902-S VAM-5 is classified as 5 III2 4 - C4/C3b (Near Date, Doubled 19, 2 Olive Reverse) with die pairing number 189. The obverse (III2 4) features a date set further left than normal, with the 1 doubled below the upper crossbar and the 9 doubled slightly at the lower left inside of the lower loop — a combination of near-date positioning and selective digit doubling that makes this variety diagnostically distinctive. The reverse (C4/C3b) carries the notable 2 Olive Reverse, where an extra olive appears to the right of the olive connected to the branch, creating a botanical anomaly in George T. Morgan's wreath design that is visible under moderate magnification. The Morgan Dollar was struck in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a diameter of 38.1 mm, and the 1902-S issue came from the San Francisco Mint with a production of approximately 1.53 million pieces — a relatively modest mintage that already confers key-date status in the series. The pairing of a near-date obverse with a doubled 19 and an extra-olive reverse makes VAM-5 a multi-feature variety that rewards thorough examination of both sides. Martin Field's 1978 discovery contributed to the early expansion of VAM cataloging during a period when LeRoy Van Allen and A. George Mallis's systematic classification was transforming Morgan Dollar collecting from a date-and-mintmark pursuit into a comprehensive die variety discipline. The near-date positioning is best confirmed by measuring the gap between the date digits and the rim denticles, where the leftward shift becomes apparent when compared against normal-date specimens.

External References