1897-S VAM-1

Description

Revised August 2023, this San Francisco Mint Morgan Dollar is cataloged as die pair 190 under Classification III2 1 - C3a, representing the Normal Die designation for the 1897-S date. Despite its baseline classification, VAM-1 carries distinctive die markers: a small thread impression appears on the cap to the right of the lower cotton boll on the obverse, while a horizontal die gouge passes through the eagle's right foot on the reverse. A comprehensive die study of the 1897-S date found this die pair to be the most normal of all identified die marriages, earning its VAM-1 primary designation. Struck in 90% silver (0.7734 oz ASW), the 1897-S had a mintage of 5,825,000 pieces, placing it among the mid-range San Francisco issues in the Morgan Dollar series. While VAM-1 varieties are sometimes overlooked in favor of more dramatic die marriages, they serve an essential cataloging function by establishing the baseline die characteristics against which other varieties are measured. The thread impression near the cotton boll and the reverse foot gouge provide reliable attribution points for this particular die pair.

External References