1900-S VAM-1

Description

Representing the baseline die pairing for the 1900-S Morgan Dollar, VAM-1 is classified as 1 III2 1- C3a with a "Narrow S" designation. The obverse was discovered by Francis Klaes in June 1963, and the reverse was independently identified by Neil Shafer in November 1964 — making this one of the earliest documented VAM attributions for the date. The obverse is a normal die of the III2 type featuring an open 9 in the date, while the reverse carries a normal C3a die with a narrow S mintmark. As VAM-1, this variety essentially defines the standard or "normal" die combination for the 1900-S issue, establishing the reference point against which all subsequent VAM discoveries for this date and mint are compared. The narrow S mintmark classification distinguishes this reverse die from other S mintmark styles used at the San Francisco Mint during this period, as hand-punched mintmarks varied in form depending on which specific letter punch was selected by the engraver. Collectors building a comprehensive 1900-S VAM set begin with VAM-1 as their foundation piece.

External References