1902-S VAM-2

Description

Attributed to Leonard Hinckley from his February 1974 research, the 1902-S VAM-2 "Near Date" identifies a San Francisco Morgan Dollar obverse die where the date was punched further left than standard, placing the numerals closer to the rim. Classified as III2-2 with reverse die C4a, this variety carries catalog reference (189). The Near Date characteristic is a product of hand-punching: each die received its date individually, and lateral positioning depended on the engraver's eye and hand. When the first digit was placed further left than intended, the entire date string shifted toward the rim, creating a narrower gap that distinguishes this variety. Morgan's silver dollar was in its twenty-fifth year of production by 1902, with Liberty wearing the Phrygian cap on the obverse and the heraldic eagle on the reverse, struck in 90% silver at 38.1mm. The 1902-S is among the later San Francisco issues before the series paused in 1904. Compare the date-to-rim spacing against a normal 1902-S to identify the leftward shift. =1902-S VAM-2 Near Date= Discovered by Leonard Hinckley, February 1974.

External References