1882-P VAM-5A

Description

Identified through discovery work completed in 2010, the 1882-P VAM-5A is a Doubled 1, Clashed n variety on the Philadelphia Mint Morgan dollar. Its classification reads 5A III2 5 - C3a (Doubled 1, Clashed n) (180). On the obverse, the 1 in the date is doubled at the top right of the stem, while the 882 appears partially filled at both top and bottom, a consequence of die wear or grease accumulation in those recesses. This is a closed 2 variety, referring to the style of the 2 digit in the date. Of particular interest is the die clash evidence: a partial incuse impression of the lowercase n from the reverse legend IN appears near Liberty's neck, transferred when the obverse and reverse dies struck each other without a planchet between them. The reverse carries the standard C3a designation, indicating a normal die. Clash marks on Morgan dollars provide a fascinating record of minting mishaps, and the combination of date doubling with clash transfer on the 1882-P VAM-5A gives variety specialists two separate diagnostics to confirm the attribution. The partially filled digits add a third visual characteristic that helps distinguish this die state from other 1882-P VAM varieties.

External References