1883-S VAM-13

Description

Discovered in 2016 by Wali M., the 1883-S VAM-13 features an S mintmark set slightly left and tilted to the left on the reverse, with a diagnostic die marker of diagonal polishing lines in the wing-neck gap. Classified as III2 1 - C3d (S Set Left and Tilted Left) in the Van Allen-Mallis system, the Die Pair Identification System rates this as C3LH5. Mintmark positioning varieties on Morgan Dollars are a fundamental category of VAM attribution, as each working die received its mintmark through individual hand-punching by a Mint engraver, introducing inherent variability in position, tilt, depth, and size of the mintmark impression. The leftward set and leftward tilt of the S on this variety indicate the engraver's punch entered the die at a position and angle measurably different from the standard. The diagonal polishing lines in the wing-neck gap — the space between the eagle's wing and neck on the reverse — serve as an independent die marker that confirms the die's identity regardless of mintmark position assessment. The 1883-S Morgan Dollar had a mintage of approximately 6.25 million pieces, a moderate output for the San Francisco Mint during the early 1880s when silver dollar production was mandated by the Bland-Allison Act. San Francisco Morgan Dollars are generally more available in circulated grades than in higher uncirculated conditions, where bag marks and storage effects become significant. Mintmark position varieties represent an accessible entry point into VAM collecting, as the differences can often be confirmed with a standard 10x loupe.

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