1879-S VAM-1A

Description

Discovered by Richard Deters in October 1972 and documented by VAMWorld, the 1879-S VAM-1A Morgan Dollar carries the classification III2 1 · C3a (Polished 8) with an impact rating of I-1 and a rarity of R-3, making it a relatively available variety within the 1879-S die marriage family. The obverse (III2 1) features polishing lines within the loops of the 8 in the date — linear striations introduced during die preparation or maintenance that are particularly visible within the enclosed spaces of the numeral, where polishing tool access was constrained by the digit’s geometry. Additional polishing lines appear in the lower hair of Liberty’s portrait. The reverse (C3a) is classified as a normal die, though VAMWorld commentary notes that early die states display very heavy straight-line polishing marks across the reverse fields. This die-state observation is significant because it reveals that the polishing was not limited to the obverse 8 referenced in the designation, but extended across the reverse as well, with the reverse polishing marks being most prominent on fresh die states before wear and progressive striking degraded the transferred polish lines. The Morgan Dollar was designed by George T. Morgan and struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1879 in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. The 1879-S had a mintage of approximately 9.1 million pieces, with many examples surviving in uncirculated condition from Treasury hoards. Richard Deters’s 1972 discovery predates the publication of the first VAM reference book (1976), making this one of the earlier documented varieties in the system. The R-3 rarity classification indicates sufficient surviving population for interested collectors to locate specimens, particularly in lower circulated grades.

External References