1881-P VAM-8

Description

Discovered by Leonard Hinckley in February 1974, the 1881-P VAM-8 is classified as III2 8 - C3a and carries the title "Doubled 18-1" — a proof issue with doubled date digits. The obverse (III2 8) shows the first 1 doubled slightly at the top right of its vertical shaft, the first 8 doubled on the surface at the top right inside of the lower loop, and the second 1 doubled at the top left. The reverse (C3a) is listed as a normal die. Commentary notes that the date shows doubled 18-1 and that the second 1 has a lump. As a proof Morgan Dollar, this coin was struck on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies at the Philadelphia Mint, producing the mirror-like fields and frosted design elements characteristic of proof coinage. The Morgan Dollar was designed by George T. Morgan in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. Proof Morgan Dollar production was limited, with the 1881 proof mintage numbering only 984 coins — making any die variety on a proof Morgan exceptionally significant due to the tiny population from which variety specimens can be drawn. The doubled date doubling pattern affecting the first 1, first 8, and second 1 (but apparently not the second 8) reveals the hub displacement vector's orientation, as certain digits fell within the zone of maximum offset while the second 8 fell outside it. The reflective proof surfaces enhance the visibility of even subtle date doubling, making proof doubled dies among the most visually dramatic varieties in the Morgan Dollar series.

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