1903-S VAMs

Mintage	1,241,000
Proof Mintage	None
Dies Used	20 pairs
Rarity in PL	7/10 (quite rare)
Die Study	complete

1903-S is one of the key dates of the series in higher grades. Uncirculated coins are typically lustrous and well struck, but the vast majority of available coins are in lower circulated grades. Only a few prooflike coins are known, and have low contrast and shallow mirrors. The major variety for 1903-S is the popular, Top 100 VAM 2 Micro S, with a mint mark that seems to have been intended for a Barber quarter being used. This is the only use of this mint mark on any Morgan dollar. VAM 2 is usually found in low circulated grades. In AU and higher it is a major rarity. In his The Morgan and Peace Dollar Textbook, Wayne Miller reports that one of the prooflike coins he has seen has a micro S reverse, and describes it as "marginally" uncirculated.

Attribution Guides for 1903-S

1903-S Reverses
Compare C3, C4/C3, C4
VAM not Assigned

Official VAM Listing

1903-S VAM-1 Normal Die
1903-S VAM-1A Thread-like Die Impression Tail Feathers
1903-S VAM-2 Micro S Mintmark, (Top 100 Morgan VAM)
1903-S VAM-3 S Tilted Left
1903-S VAM-4 2 Olive Reverse
1903-S VAM-5 Slanted Date, 2 Olive Reverse
1903-S VAM-6 903 in Denticles, 2 Olive Reverse
1903-S VAM-7 Slanted Date, S Tilted Left
1903-S VAM-8 2 Olive Reverse
1903-S VAM-9 S Set Right

References

---

Legend:
Photos of diagnostics shown on page.
Full-coin photo of VAM.
VAM has been eliminated altogether or phased into another number.
No photos posted for this VAM.
This VAM is recognized by PCGS.
This VAM is recognized by NGC.
As ANACS, SEGS, ICG, and Variety Slabbing Service (VSS) recognize all VAMs currently in the official listings, no icon is shown for these services.