1891-S VAM-1B

Description

Classified as III2 1 - C3a, the 1891-S VAM-1B Morgan Dollar features a distinctive die gouge on the reverse that runs diagonally from the olive branch down to the top arrow feather. This die gouge creates a raised line on struck coins connecting two design elements that are normally separated — the olive branch of peace and the arrows of war that the eagle clutches in its talons. Fine pit marks are also noted on the eagle, indicating additional surface deterioration of the reverse die beyond the primary gouge diagnostic. The "Die Gouge Arrow Feathers" designation makes this variety visually accessible, as the diagonal raised line between the olive branch and arrow feathers can be identified without extreme magnification once the collector knows where to look. San Francisco produced approximately 5.3 million Morgan Dollars in 1891, a moderate mintage that places the 1891-S in the middle tier of series availability. No discoverer is credited in the catalog record, suggesting this variety was documented during the early systematic cataloging of Morgan Dollar die varieties before individual discoverer attribution became standard practice. The reverse die gouge raises questions about its origin — whether it resulted from incidental contact during die handling, a slip of an engraving tool during die repair, or a defect in the die steel itself. Regardless of cause, the gouge provides a clear, repeatable diagnostic that makes VAM-1B one of the more straightforward attributions in the 1891-S Morgan Dollar variety roster.

External References