1883-P VAM-23

Description

Discovered in 2011 by Pat Mullen, the 1883-P Morgan Dollar VAM-23 is classified as III2 23 - C3a and documented as "Doubled 1-3," referring to doubled impressions on the first and last digits of the date. The obverse die III2 23 shows the numeral 1 slightly doubled at the bottom edge of the upper crossbar and the numeral 3 slightly doubled at the bottom inside of the lower loop, with very slight additional doubling visible at the bottom of Liberty's earlobe. A die marker consisting of a tiny die chip between the second and third right tail feathers on the reverse provides rapid attribution confirmation. Date doubling on 1880s Morgan Dollars resulted from the hub-to-die transfer process where the date logotype or individual digit punches required precise alignment, and even small discrepancies between the primary and secondary hub impressions created the doubled traces visible on struck coins. George T. Morgan's obverse design features Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap decorated with wheat ears and cotton bolls, while the reverse displays a heraldic eagle. The 1883-P was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 90% silver at 26.73 grams and 38.1 mm diameter, with a mintage of 12,090,000 pieces. The doubled 1 and 3 digits, while subtle, provide specific checkpoints that collectors can verify under magnification to confirm this die marriage among the many documented 1883-P varieties.

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