1882-S VAM-4

Description

Among the earliest documented Morgan dollar varieties, VAM-4 on the 1882-S was discovered by Paul Williams in August 1966, making it one of the foundational attributions in the Van Allen-Mallis classification system. Cataloged as 4 III2 4 - C3a (Doubled 88), with die pair number 187, this variety shows both date digits 8 doubled through hubbing displacement. The first 8 displays doubling on the left inside of the upper loop, while the second 8 is doubled on the left outside of the upper loop — a subtle but important distinction in spread direction that indicates a complex hub shift affecting different parts of the date at different angles. Both open-2 and closed-2 sub-varieties exist for this obverse die, referring to whether the lower loop of the 2 connects fully to the horizontal crossbar. The reverse is classified C3a, indicating a centered and upright San Francisco mintmark without distinctive reverse characteristics. The San Francisco Mint struck nearly 9.3 million Morgan dollars in 1882, and VAM-4 represents one of the more recognizable die marriages from that production run. Collectors examining this variety should focus on the upper loops of both 8 digits under 10x magnification, comparing the doubling direction between the two digits to confirm attribution.

External References