1885-S VAM-12

Description

Identified in December 2023 by Brent Fogelberg, VAM-12 for the 1885-S Morgan Dollar is classified III2 9 C3d, designated "Far Date, Engraved Leaves," with DPIS B34/C5. This San Francisco Mint issue was struck in 90% silver and 10% copper. The obverse, classified III2 9, shows the date set to the right of normal position with very light scattered pitting on the portrait, including along the lower edge of Liberty's jaw. Obverse die markers include lines in the R of LIBERTY, between the cotton bolls, and in the lower hair. The reverse, classified C3d, features the S mint mark centered and upright with re-engraved leaves opposite ON in ONE — the deliberate re-engraving distinguishes this from wear-related die deterioration. Reverse die markers include lines in the wing-neck gap and bow. The DPIS value of B34/C5 positions this variety within the Die Position Identification System, a framework that tracks the precise lateral and vertical placement of design elements to link specific working dies. San Francisco struck just over 1.4 million Morgan Dollars in 1885, making this a moderately scarce date where documented VAM varieties carry added collecting significance.

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