1897-S VAM-17

Description

Discovered in 2017 by Brent Fogelberg, the 1897-S VAM-17 is catalogued as 17 III2 8 / C3a (Doubled 18) with an undetermined rarity. Obverse die III2 8 displays doubling on the 18 of the date: the 1 appears as a short spike below the upper crossbar, and the left 8 shows additional impressions at the top inside of both loops. Several long diagonal polishing lines on the upper hair curl of the forehead serve as the primary obverse die marker. Reverse C3a carries no additional variety characteristics but shows heavy horizontal polishing lines at the eagle's right leg as a diagnostic marker. One of the most notable aspects of VAM-17 is that its obverse die is shared with the 1897-S VAM-19, establishing a documented die-pair relationship. The 1897-S was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which generally produced coins of higher quality than the New Orleans facility. Doubling on the date digits results from a misaligned second hubbing during die preparation. Collectors working through the 1897-S VAM population should note the shared obverse diagnostic when distinguishing VAM-17 from VAM-19, as the reverse characteristics will need to be the differentiating factor.

External References