1884-P VAM-20

Description

Discovered in May 2009, the 1884-P VAM-20 Morgan Dollar is classified as III2 19 - C3a (Doubled 4 and Ear, Far Date) with die pairing number 189. The obverse (III2 19) presents a complex combination of features: the slanted bar of the numeral 4 is very slightly doubled on its left side, the ear of Liberty is doubled on the left inside and right outside, and the top of the Phrygian cap shows subtle doubling. Additionally, the date is set further right than normal, creating the "Far Date" component of the variety's full designation. The VAMWorld commentary notes that the doubling on the 4 is very hard to see on the discovery coin — almost non-existent — suggesting this feature requires high magnification and favorable lighting conditions to confirm, or that higher-grade specimens with less wear on the date digits may reveal it more clearly. The ear doubling, being positioned on a larger and more prominent design element, is likely the more reliable primary diagnostic for field identification. The reverse (C3a) carries no noted anomalies. George T. Morgan designed this coin, struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1884 in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter and a reeded edge. The 1884-P had a mintage of approximately 14.1 million pieces. The combination of subtle date doubling, ear doubling, cap doubling, and abnormal date position documents a die that experienced hub displacement during manufacture, with the displacement vector producing varying degrees of visible doubling across the die face depending on each element's relief depth, angle, and distance from the hub's pivot point.

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