1881-S VAM-1C1

Description

Discovered in August 2022 by Nico Marcus, this recently cataloged 1881-S Morgan Dollar variety is designated VAM-1C1 with obverse die III2 number 1 paired with reverse die C3a, appearing on plate number 187. The defining feature is a die chip on the reverse wreath leaves opposite the letter I of UNITED, positioned higher than the die chip found on the related 1881-S VAM-16. The designation "Die Chip in Leaves #2" indicates this is a second documented die chip position in the wreath area for this die pairing sequence. Additional minor engraving details appear on two lower wreath leaves above the letter N of ONE. Die chips form when a small fragment of the die surface breaks away, leaving a void that fills with metal during striking to produce a raised blob or lump on the finished coin. The 2022 discovery date makes VAM-1C1 one of the more recently added entries in the extensive 1881-S VAM catalog, demonstrating that new die varieties continue to be identified even on heavily studied dates. The San Francisco Mint struck large quantities of 1881-S Morgan Dollars, many of which survived in mint state from Treasury bag holdings.

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