1882-S VAM-7

Description

Discovered by Maurice Dubreuil in February 1975, VAM-7 on the 1882-S Morgan Dollar is classified as III2 6-C3a with the descriptor "Doubled 82" and an unconfirmed rarity rating (?). The obverse die state III2 6 shows the second 8 doubled slightly on the left inside of the upper loop, and the 2 doubled very slightly on the right outside of the upper loop. Additionally, both 8's exhibit die chips between their loops on the left and right sides, providing supplementary die markers beyond the doubling itself. The reverse die state C3a confirms a centered and upright S mintmark. Maurice Dubreuil's February 1975 discovery places this among the earliest systematically documented VAM varieties for the 1882-S date, contemporaneous with the foundational VAM cataloging work of Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis whose initials form the VAM acronym. The doubled 82 pattern — affecting only the last two digits while leaving the 18 undoubled — indicates a hub displacement that concentrated its visible effect on the right portion of the date, with the displacement magnitude sufficient to produce detectable doubling on the 8 and 2 but falling below the visibility threshold on the leftmost 1 and 8. The die chips between the loops of both 8's are independent deterioration markers that developed during the die's service life. The 1882-S Morgan Dollar was struck at the San Francisco Mint in 90% silver composition (26.73 grams, 38.1 mm), and San Francisco issues from this period are generally well-struck with strong detail.

External References