1887-S VAM-7

Description

Discovered by Martin Field in July 1982, the 1887-S VAM-7 documents a San Francisco Morgan Dollar with the S mintmark set noticeably higher than normal on the reverse below the wreath. Designated 7 III2 1 with reverse die C3c (High S) and catalog reference (185), the elevated S sits above the standard position used on most 1887-S dies. Mintmark placement varied because each letter punch was individually hand-applied to the working die — any vertical displacement during punching became a permanent feature. Community researcher RonH270 has noted a possible shared reverse die between this VAM-7 and the 1887-S VAM-5, a connection that if confirmed would demonstrate die reuse across multiple obverse pairings. Morgan's Liberty Head design, featuring Liberty in a Phrygian cap wreathed in cotton and wheat, was in its tenth year by 1887. The San Francisco Mint, established during the California Gold Rush in 1854, struck this in 90% silver at 38.1mm. Examine the S mintmark below the wreath — its elevated position is the defining diagnostic.

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