1881-P VAM-14

Description

Discovered by Martin Field in September 1980, the 1881-P VAM-14 is catalogued as 14 III2 14 / C3a (Doubled 8-1) with VAMWorld reference number 180. Obverse die III2 14 shows date doubling on three digits: the first 1 is doubled slightly at the top of the vertical shaft, the first 8 is doubled at the top right outside and on the right outside surface of the upper loop, and the second 1 is doubled all across its very top. Reverse C3a is a normal die. A note indicates that late die state specimens show doubling inside Liberty's ear from die fatigue — a secondary feature distinct from the hub-doubling that defines the variety. This was formerly listed as 1881-P VAM-28, now delisted; examples previously attributed as VAM-28 correctly belong to VAM-14. The 1881-P was produced at Philadelphia in considerable quantity. Identifying VAM-14 requires careful magnification of the date to confirm the subtle doubling on each digit. The three-digit doubling across 18 and the second 1 provides a multi-point attribution platform that lends confidence once all three are confirmed.

External References