1900-S VAM-10
Error
Description
Discovered by Leroy Van Allen in August 1980 — co-creator of the VAM classification system alongside George Mallis — the 1900-S Morgan Dollar VAM-10 features a near date positioned further left than normal on the obverse (die III2 2) paired with a high S mint mark on the reverse (die C3g, type IV mint mark). Cataloged as variety number 187 with an I-2 interest level and R-3 rarity rating indicating approximately 201 to 500 known examples, this is a readily collectible variety attributed by one of the founding figures of Morgan Dollar die variety research. The combination of date placement and mint mark position varieties makes VAM-10 a diagnostic exercise in examining both sides of the coin — the near date is detectable by comparing the spacing between the digits and Liberty's portrait against a normal example, while the high S requires checking the mint mark's vertical position relative to the eagle's tail feathers and the denomination wreath on the reverse.
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