1881-P VAM-3
ErrorDescription
Discovered by George Mallis in June 1965 — one of the two co-creators of the Van Allen-Mallis attribution system — the 1881-P VAM-3 documents a doubled second 1 in the date, with doubling visible at the top of the digit where a secondary impression created extra thickness. This variety carries special historical significance: Mallis was not merely an early attributor but a co-architect of the entire VAM framework that would catalog thousands of Morgan and Peace Dollar die marriages. The C3a reverse pairing indicates a normal die, placing the variety's focus squarely on the obverse date doubling. The doubled 1 at the top of the second digit requires careful examination, as extra thickness can be subtle on circulated examples where wear compresses the separation between impressions. The 1881-P was struck at Philadelphia during one of the Morgan Dollar's peak production years, with George T. Morgan's Liberty Head obverse in its fourth year. Struck in 90% silver at 38.1mm and 26.73 grams. Examine the top of the second 1 for doubled contours — a variety personally discovered by VAM co-creator George Mallis.
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