1900-S VAM-3

Description

Discovered by Leonard Hinckley in February 1974, the 1900-S VAM-3 is classified as III2 2 - C3c and carries the descriptive title "S/S Right" — indicating a repunched S mintmark with the original position visible to the right of the final placement. The obverse (III2 2) shows the date set further left than the normal lateral position. The reverse (C3c) displays a repunched mintmark where the original S shows as a short vertical spike to the right of the upper serif, providing the primary diagnostic feature for this variety. This reverse die has a documented production history: the exact same reverse was used to produce VAM-3, VAM-7, and VAM-17 of the 1900-S date, meaning three distinct obverse dies were paired with this single reverse during production. Furthermore, VAM-3 appears to share the exact same die pair as VAM-17, suggesting one may eventually be delisted as a duplicate. The Morgan Dollar, designed by George T. Morgan, was struck at the San Francisco Mint in 90% silver composition at 26.73 grams and 38.1 mm diameter. The 1900-S is part of the later period of original Morgan Dollar production, before the series was interrupted in 1904 and briefly revived in 1921. San Francisco Morgan Dollars are generally well-struck and carry a reputation for quality among collectors. The repunched mintmark showing as a spike to the right of the upper serif is best observed under 7x to 10x magnification, with the spike appearing as a short vertical line that does not belong to the final S positioning.

External References