1884-P VAM-8.5

Description

Discovered by Brent Fogelberg, this 1884-P Morgan Dollar variety is the unclashed version of VAM-8E — the same die pair captured in an earlier die state before clashing occurred. The ".5" suffix indicates the variety was inserted between existing catalog entries, a convention used when a newly identified die state falls between previously numbered varieties. VAM-8.5 is designated with obverse die III2 number 8 paired with reverse die C3a, appearing on plate number 189. The primary diagnostic is a far date — the date numerals set further right than normal, a placement variety requiring careful measurement against reference specimens. Date position varieties on Morgan Dollars result from how deeply and where the date punch was impressed into the working die, and the far date positioning on VAM-8.5 distinguishes it from standard 1884-P dies. The relationship to VAM-8E is significant for die state collectors, as it allows tracking a single die pair through its working life — from the unclashed state documented here to the clashed state cataloged under the parent VAM number. Such die state progressions are a key element of advanced VAM collecting.

External References