1883-P VAM-1B

Description

Discovered by Mark Kleiman in March 2006, 1883-P VAM-1B is designated Pitted Liberty Head, carrying the attribution III2 1 · C3a in the VAMWorld reference (page 190). The obverse, III2 1, is a normal die with pitting across the top of Liberty's head and cap — a result of rust or corrosion on the die face — along with die markers of a crack from the lower cheek to the jaw and a chip below the ear. The reverse, C3a, is a normal die with a crack from the rim through the top of the R in DOLLAR. Rarity is rated R-5 or less, with under 100 examples known. The 1883 Morgan Dollar was produced at Philadelphia in 90% silver. The defining characteristic is the die pitting on Liberty's head — surface degradation leaving a rough, dimpled texture on struck coins. Collectors examining VAM-1B specimens should focus on the top of the Liberty head and cap for the pitted surface, the cheek-to-jaw crack on the obverse, and the DOLLAR rim crack on the reverse as the three-part diagnostic combination.

External References