1884-P VAM-22

Description

Discovered in 2009, the 1884-P VAM-22 Morgan Dollar carries the classification III2 1 · C3a (Doubled Ear) with die pairing number 190. The obverse (III2 1) exhibits doubling at the right inside and bottom of Liberty's earlobe — a subtle feature located within the intricate ear detail of Morgan's Liberty head portrait. The date is set at the right edge of the normal position, contributing a secondary positional attribute for die identification. Community observations provide valuable field attribution insights: late die state (LDS) specimens appear triple clashed with no letter transfer, meaning the die experienced three separate clash events during its service life but the repeated mutual impacts did not produce identifiable transferred lettering — instead creating only the characteristic disturbed surface texture of repeated clashing. Perhaps most notably, comments describe this coin, especially the obverse, as "remarkably nondescript," warning that specimens can be found in holders certified as "VAM-1" (normal die) — a cautionary note for collectors that the subtle ear doubling can be overlooked even by professional grading service attributors. This observation underscores the importance of personal examination when collecting subtle VAM varieties. George T. Morgan designed this silver dollar, struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1884 in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. The 1884-P had a mintage of approximately 14.1 million pieces. The ear doubling requires magnification of 7x or greater for reliable detection, and collectors should focus on the inner right edge and bottom exterior of the earlobe, examining these areas under angled lighting to maximize the visibility of the secondary impression against the primary design.

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