1884-P VAM-9

Description

VAM-9 of the 1884-P Morgan Dollar documents the ninth identified die variety from Philadelphia Mint production during 1884, a year that falls squarely within the peak era of Morgan Dollar coinage under the Bland-Allison Act. The 1884 Philadelphia issue was produced in quantities typical of the mid-1880s silver dollar mandate, with most coins going directly into Treasury storage bags rather than entering active circulation — a pattern that would later benefit collectors when Treasury vault releases in the 1960s made large quantities of uncirculated Morgan Dollars available to the numismatic market at face value. George T. Morgan's obverse portrait of Lady Liberty, featuring the left-facing profile adorned with agricultural crown elements including wheat and cotton, represents one of the most recognized designs in American numismatics. The reverse heraldic eagle, perched with outstretched wings above arrows and an olive branch within a laurel wreath, carries the national mottoes and denomination inscriptions. Struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, the coin weighs 26.73 grams with a diameter of 38.1 mm and features a reeded edge. Philadelphia coins of this era bear no mintmark, identified by the absence of a branch mint letter. The ninth VAM designation for the 1884-P indicates moderate depth of documented die variety research for this date, with VAM-9 representing a specific die marriage characterized by unique die features — including date position, die surface characteristics, and any diagnostic marks — that separate it from the eight preceding documented varieties. The 1884-P is readily available in most grades, making it an accessible date for VAM collectors to pursue variety attributions.

External References