1889-S VAM-3

Description

Discovered by Leonard Hinckley in February 1974, the 1889-S VAM-3 documents a San Francisco Morgan Dollar with the date punched further from the bust truncation than standard. Classified in the Van Allen-Mallis system as a Far Date variety, the rightward displacement of the four-digit date logotype is the defining diagnostic — created when the engraver hand-punched the date into the working die at a position further from Liberty's neck than normal alignment. Date position varieties are among the most fundamental VAM classifications because they represent permanent die characteristics established at manufacture, unaffected by subsequent die wear or clashing. The 1889-S was struck at the San Francisco Mint, established during the California Gold Rush in 1854 and by this date one of the Mint's most productive facilities. Morgan's Liberty Head design, featuring Liberty in a Phrygian cap wreathed in cotton and wheat, was in its twelfth year. Struck in 90% silver at 38.1mm and 26.73 grams. Compare the date position against a standard 1889-S to observe the wider gap between the leftmost digit and the bust truncation.

External References