1897-S VAM-15A

Description

Discovered in 2017 by Jody Faust, the 1897-S VAM-15A Morgan Dollar is classified as III2 7 - C3e (Double Profile & 8, S Set High, Engraved Wreath Leaves, Die Break 8) with die pairing number 190. The obverse (III2 7) exhibits a radial die crack running from the rim to the lower left of the 8 in 1897, accompanied by a slight displaced field break — a structural failure where the die crack has progressed to the point of causing visible metal displacement around the affected area, indicating advanced die deterioration beyond a simple surface crack. The variety designation encompasses multiple features: doubled profile and 8 (doubling on Liberty's profile and the digit 8), an S mintmark set higher than normal, engraved wreath leaves on the reverse (C3e), and the die break at the 8. The commentary establishes that the exact same reverse die was used to produce both the 1897-S VAM-8 and the 1897-S VAM-15A, creating a die-sharing connection between the two varieties — the engraved wreath leaves appear on both because they share the identical reverse die, while their different VAM numbers reflect different obverse dies paired with this shared reverse during its service life. George T. Morgan's design was struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1897 in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. The multi-component designation — combining doubled portrait, doubled date digit, abnormal mintmark position, engraved reverse features, and structural die failure — creates a variety with exceptional diagnostic richness, offering collectors multiple independent checkpoints for confident attribution.

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