1890-S VAM-17

Description

Discovered by Jay Galst in February 1980, VAM-17 for the 1890-S Morgan Dollar is classified III2 3 C3j, designated "Far Date, S Tilted Left," with reference number 190 and DPIS LE4/RH5. This 90% silver San Francisco Mint issue is most readily identified by its reverse, classified C3j, where the S mint mark is tilted significantly to the left — a pronounced angular displacement that distinguishes it from the slight tilts seen on many other VAM varieties. The emission sequence documents the obverse die paired as VAMs 17 and 44, meaning this obverse was used in two distinct die marriages with different reverse dies. Collectors have noted evidence of clashing on the reverse die, though the obverse shows no corresponding clash marks — an asymmetry suggesting the reverse retained the clash impression while the obverse was polished clean. Wing-neck gap polishing is not a reliable diagnostic for this variety, as it changes over the life of the die. George T. Morgan's design at San Francisco produced consistently well-struck dollars throughout the 1890s.

External References