1900-S VAM-15

Description

Discovered by Martin Field in July 1982, the 1900-S VAM-15 Morgan Dollar carries the classification III2 ? · C3? (Extra Arrow Feather Gouge, Circle Scratch Wheat Leaves) with die pairing number 189. The obverse (III2 ?) displays a semi-circle die scratch or impression at the lower right of the wheat leaves in Liberty's hair wreath, an unusual curved mark likely introduced during die polishing or from contact with tooling during die preparation. The reverse (C3?) features a heavy die gouge positioned just above the top arrow feather — a prominent raised mark on struck coins that serves as the primary attribution diagnostic — accompanied by a wide V-shaped S mintmark set slightly to the right of the standard position. Community observations note that this variety has been observed with a fairly strong gouge above the topmost arrow feather, confirming the diagnostic's visibility, and that this is the former 1900-S VAM-2A, having been reclassified under the updated VAM-15 designation. The reclassification from VAM-2A to VAM-15 reflects the VAM catalog's evolving organizational structure, where varieties are periodically renumbered or reassigned as new discoveries expand understanding of the die marriage relationships within each date-mint combination. The Morgan Dollar was struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1900 in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. George T. Morgan's heraldic eagle reverse features arrows in the eagle's left talon, and the heavy gouge above the top arrow feather sits in a visually prominent location that makes this variety identifiable even under modest magnification. The wide V-shaped S mintmark and its slightly rightward position provide a secondary confirmation point.

External References