1881-P VAM-4

Description

Discovered by Bill Fivaz in July 1972, the 1881-P VAM-4 Morgan Dollar is classified as a "Doubled 1 Left" variety, with the second 1 in the date showing clear doubling at the top left side only. Plate designation 4 III2 4 - C3a places this die pair in the III2 obverse die category with a C3a normal reverse die. Close examination reveals an additional diagnostic: the first 8 in the date carries a spike of metal between the loops on the right side, providing a secondary attribution point independent of the doubled digit. The obverse is an III2 type indicating doubled features consistent with a working die that received impressions from a hub at slightly different positions during the hubbing process. The reverse is a normal die without notable variety characteristics. Philadelphia struck Morgan Dollars in substantial numbers during 1881, and the survival of doubled die varieties reflects both the volume of dies employed and the attention early VAM researchers devoted to common-date issues. VAM-4 remains a straightforward attribution for collectors examining 1881-P Morgans, as the doubled second 1 is visible under moderate magnification.

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