1884-P VAM-8.12

Description

A sub-variety within the VAM-8 family, the 1884-P Morgan Dollar VAM-8.12 documents a far date positioning — the date numerals 1884 are set further to the right than the standard placement found on the baseline VAM-1. Date positioning varieties arise from how the date was impressed into individual working dies during the manufacturing process, and slight variations in placement created measurable shifts that collectors and researchers can distinguish under magnification. The ".12" suffix indicates this is the twelfth sub-variety cataloged under the VAM-8 parent designation, all sharing the same general far date characteristic but representing different die combinations or distinct stages of die wear. Classified under obverse die III2 8 paired with reverse C3a — a normal reverse die with no distinguishing features — this variety's attribution rests entirely on the obverse date position. The 1884-P was struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a mintage of 14,070,875 Morgan Dollars in 90% silver at 26.73 grams and 38.1mm diameter. Designed by George T. Morgan, the obverse features Lady Liberty in profile with a Phrygian cap encircled by a wheat and cotton wreath. Examine the date placement relative to Liberty's neck truncation and the dentils to confirm the rightward shift that defines the far date attribution for this sub-variety.

External References