1880-S VAM-18

Description

Discovered by Richard Deters in February 1973, VAM-18 of the 1880-S Morgan Dollar is classified as 18 III2 3 - C3h (S/S, Doubled 0) with an unknown rarity. This variety combines two distinct die anomalies: a repunched S mintmark and a doubled zero in the date. On the obverse (die III2 3), the 0 in the date is doubled at the top outside at both left and right, creating a visible spread on the digit. The reverse (die C3h) reveals the repunched mintmark, with the original S showing as a curved line centered inside the upper loop of the final S, while the medium-sized mintmark appears partially filled. The convergence of both a date doubling and a repunched mintmark on a single coin makes VAM-18 an appealing target for variety collectors. The 1880-S is among the more common Morgan Dollar dates in higher grades, which keeps this variety financially accessible despite its diagnostic interest. Collectors should compare this variety with VAM-32 of the same date, which shares similar characteristics but can be distinguished through careful examination of the mintmark and date positions.

External References