1882-P VAM-7

Description

Discovered by Leroy Van Allen himself in June 1966 — one of the two co-creators of the VAM catalog system — the 1882-P VAM-7 is designated "Doubled 1-82" and carries the catalog designation obverse III2-7 paired with reverse C3a. The doubling affects three of the four date numerals: the 1 is doubled at the top right of the stem, the second 8 is doubled on the left side of the upper loop and right side of the lower loop, and the 2 is doubled on the left side of the upper loop. The first 8 appears normal, creating an asymmetric doubling pattern where three digits show displacement while one does not. The reverse C3a is a normal die with no significant varieties. This early discovery by Van Allen predates the formal publication of the comprehensive VAM reference and represents foundational research that helped establish the systematic die variety cataloging methodology later applied across the entire Morgan and Peace Dollar series. The 1882-P Morgan Dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 90% silver, 10% copper composition at 26.73 grams on 38.1mm planchets, featuring George T. Morgan's Liberty Head obverse and heraldic eagle reverse. With a mintage of 11,100,000 pieces, the 1882-P is a readily available date that supports active VAM collecting. Examine the date under 7x magnification, focusing on the top right of the 1, both loops of the second 8, and the upper loop of the 2 for doubling contours.

External References