1892-S VAM-1.2

Description

The 1892-S VAM-1.2 is a Morgan dollar variety struck at the San Francisco Mint, classified as a Normal Die with the designation III2 1 - C3a and a rarity rating of 190 in the VAM numbering system. The Morgan dollar, designed by George T. Morgan and produced from 1878 through 1921, was composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter and a reeded edge. San Francisco struck 1,200,000 Morgan dollars in 1892, a relatively low mintage that places the 1892-S among the scarcer San Francisco issues in the series. The obverse die is classified as type III2 1, representing a normal die of the III2 style, and on some specimens the base of the 2 in the date appears filled in — a characteristic caused by die wear or polishing that progressively obscured the lower portion of the numeral. The reverse die is classified as C3a, a normal die of the C3 type featuring a medium IV S mintmark that is centered and upright beneath the eagle's tail feathers. The distinction between VAM-1.1 and VAM-1.2 is based on different die pairings; the attributor confirmed possessing two specimens with holder attributions that proved to be from different die pairs, leading to the separate sub-variety designations. This method of cataloging sub-varieties based on die pair differentiation is a hallmark of the VAM system, where each unique combination of obverse and reverse dies receives its own distinct number. The 1892-S as a date is significant in Morgan dollar collecting because its low mintage of 1.2 million coins makes it a semi-key date, and even normal die varieties like VAM-1.2 carry collector interest due to the underlying scarcity of the host coin. The centered and upright S mintmark characteristic helps distinguish this reverse die from other 1892-S reverses where the mintmark may be tilted or positioned higher or lower.

External References