1883-P VAM-21

Description

Discovered in 2009 and revised in 2016, this Philadelphia Morgan dollar is cataloged as VAM-21 (revised) with classification III2 21 and the formal title Doubled 18-3. The obverse displays doubling concentrated on the date digits: the 1 is doubled below its base, the left 8 is doubled at the top inside of the lower loop, and a horizontal bar from the left base of the 1 appears to the lower right of the left 1. Heavy die polishing lines are visible in the denticles below the date. Two reverse die pairings have been identified sharing this obverse. Die 1 carries a short die scratch at the bottom of the eagle's right wing next to the leg, and this same reverse die was also used on 1883-P VAM-6, establishing a die link between the two varieties. Die 2 is distinguished by a short horizontal die gouge at the top middle edge of the eagle's right wing. The existence of two reverse dies paired with the same doubled obverse makes VAM-21 a particularly interesting die marriage study, as collectors can pursue both pairings to document the full production history of this obverse die at the Philadelphia Mint.

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