1892-S VAM-16

Description

Discovered in May 2024 by the researcher identified as GC, the 1892-S VAM-16 Morgan Dollar is one of the most recently cataloged additions to the VAM reference, classified as 16 III2 11 · C3g (Dot on 8, Doubled 9). The obverse (III2 11) shows the date set at the left side of normal position, with a large dot on the right surface of the upper loop of the 8 — a raised anomaly that may represent a die chip, die gouge, or foreign material impression on the die face — and the 9 doubled at the lower right inside of the upper loop, documenting hub displacement affecting the date's final digit. Obverse die markers include a vertical scratch on the lower part of the cap at the far left and polishing concentrated only in the tops of RTY in LIBERTY, a selective polishing pattern that suggests targeted die surface maintenance in one specific area. The reverse (C3g) features an S mintmark set slightly high, with die markers of polishing lines in the wing-neck gap and wreath bow. The DPIS reading of LH3/RE4 provides die position coordinates. George T. Morgan's design was struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1892 in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. The 1892-S had a mintage of approximately 1.2 million pieces, making it one of the lower-mintage San Francisco Morgan Dollar issues. The May 2024 discovery date demonstrates the ongoing vitality of VAM variety research more than four decades after the original catalog was published, as advanced photographic techniques and digital communication enable researchers like GC to identify and document die marriages that earlier generations of collectors may have overlooked or lacked the tools to precisely characterize.

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