1884-S VAM-6

Description

Discovered by Martin Field in May 1982, this 1884-S Morgan Dollar is cataloged as VAM-6 under classification III2 2 / C3d with Rarity-(187), characterized by a far date positioned further right than normal on the obverse and an S mintmark set to the left with filled loops on the reverse. The obverse die (III2 2) places the date noticeably further right than standard positioning, a variation created during the die preparation process when the date logotype was impressed into the working die. The reverse die (C3d) carries a Type IV S mintmark that is upright and set to the left of normal position, with both loops of the S filled — a condition that can result from either intentional polishing of the die or from accumulated grease or die fill during striking. The 1884-S had a mintage of 3,200,000 Morgan Dollars, a moderate figure for the San Francisco Mint, which generally produced well-struck coins due to its experienced workforce and careful quality standards. Martin Field's extensive research during the early 1980s documented numerous S-mint VAM varieties, and this die marriage's combination of a far date with a left-set, filled-loop mintmark provides two distinct diagnostics that make attribution straightforward for collectors.

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