1884-P VAM-16

Description

Discovered by Marc Serafine in March 2006, the 1884-P Morgan Dollar VAM-16 is classified as III215 C3a and carries the colorful descriptive title "Alligator Eye, Far Date, Doubled 8." The "Alligator Eye" designation refers to the slightly doubled eye front, eyelid, nostril, and upper lip on Liberty's portrait — a pattern that creates a reptilian appearance around the eye area, hence the memorable nickname. The date is set further right than normal (far date), and the first 8 is slightly doubled at the lower left outside of the lower loop. This combination of three distinct obverse diagnostics — the alligator eye doubling, the far date position, and the doubled 8 — creates a richly attributable variety with multiple independent confirmation points. George T. Morgan's obverse design renders Liberty in detailed relief, with the eye, eyelid, nostril, and lip providing fine facial features where even subtle doubling becomes visible against the smooth surrounding field. The reverse C3a die is paired without additional distinctive features noted. The 1884-P was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 90% silver at 26.73 grams and 38.1 mm diameter, with a mintage of 14,070,000 pieces. The "Alligator Eye" nickname is one of the more evocative labels in VAM collecting, demonstrating how the community assigns memorable descriptive titles that help collectors remember and communicate specific variety diagnostics.

External References