1885-P VAM-1B
Error
Description
Discovered by Jeff Oxman in September 1986, the 1885-P VAM-1B holds the prestigious Hot 50 designation, placing it among the fifty most popular and actively collected Morgan dollar VAM varieties. Classified as 1B III21-C3a (Pitted Reverse) (189), this Philadelphia Mint variety is defined by its reverse die condition: prominent pitting around DOL of DOLLAR, where the die surface deteriorated and left a textured, rough appearance on struck coins. The obverse shows an almost far date placement that nonetheless falls within normal tolerances, a subtle positioning detail that adds a secondary diagnostic. This variety also comes clashed with no letter transfer, meaning the dies contacted each other without a planchet but the impact was insufficient to leave readable impressions of opposite-side design elements. The Hot 50 designation, maintained by VAMWorld and widely recognized in the Morgan dollar collecting community, signals strong market demand and active competition among specialists seeking high-grade examples. Oxman's discovery cemented this variety's place in the canon of essential Morgan dollar die marriages.
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