1879-P VAM-100

Description

Discovered by Mark Witkower in 2018, the 1879-P VAM-100 is classified as III2 89 - C3a and carries the descriptive title "Doubled 8-9, Chips 9" — indicating doubling on the date digits 8 and 9 along with die chips affecting the 9. The obverse (III2 89) shows the top inside of the 8's lower loop slightly doubled, the 9's upper loop doubled on the outside, and die chips at the top inside of the 9's lower loop, with Liberty's head lips also slightly doubled. The reverse is cataloged as C3a with a normal die. A single horizontal polishing line inside the wreath bow serves as the diagnostic die marker for this variety. The Morgan Dollar was designed by George T. Morgan and struck in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a diameter of 38.1 mm — the standard silver dollar specifications mandated by the Bland-Allison Act of 1878. The 1879-P was struck at the Philadelphia Mint during the early years of Morgan Dollar production, when the Treasury was mandated to purchase and coin substantial quantities of silver. VAM classification (Van Allen-Mallis) represents the most comprehensive die variety cataloging system for Morgan and Peace Dollars, with over 5,000 documented die pairs. The combination of doubled date digits and die chips on the 9 places this variety in the diagnostically interesting category of multiple anomalies on a single die, where both hub misalignment and die deterioration contribute to the variety's distinctive characteristics. The slightly doubled lips on Liberty's head provide an additional obverse checkpoint beyond the date area.

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