1891-S VAM-7

Description

Discovered by Martin Field, the 1891-S VAM-7 Morgan Dollar carries the classification III2 6 – C3a (Doubled Stars, (Very) Far Date) with die pairing number 191. The obverse (III2 6) displays a date set dramatically further right than the normal position and slanting upward, with the first 1 positioned closer to the rim than the second 1 — creating the "(Very) Far Date" designation that distinguishes this die from the standard date placement range within the 1891-S die marriage catalog. A distinctive diagnostic is a dot visible on Liberty's lower eyelid near the front of the eye, a die imperfection that provides a quick first-check attribution point. The die marker consists of a small spike at the edge of the lower hair curl on Liberty's neck just above the bottom of the bust, a raised die defect useful for confirming the specific obverse die. The emission sequence documents that this obverse die was paired with reverse dies in positions 7 and 21, establishing that the obverse was used in at least two different die marriages during its service life at the San Francisco Mint. The reverse (C3a) is classified as a normal die without significant anomalies. The Morgan Dollar was struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1891 in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter and a reeded edge. George T. Morgan's Liberty head obverse and heraldic eagle reverse had been in continuous production for thirteen years. The far-right date positioning combined with the upward slant creates a visually distinctive date layout that collectors can identify even at arm's length on well-preserved specimens, and the eyelid dot provides the confirming micro-diagnostic under magnification.

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