1885-P VAM-1H

Description

Originally discovered by Pat Mullen in 2010 and submitted to Leroy Van Allen for attribution, VAM-1H was initially cataloged as a "Horned 1" — a die chip at the top of the numeral 1 in the date that forms a small horn-shaped protrusion. Classified as 1H III2 4, C3a reverse, die pair 188 in the VAMWorld registry. However, this designation was subsequently revoked: upon grading, the toothpick test demonstrated that the supposed die chip was actually moved metal (displaced planchet material) rather than a genuine die anomaly. The variety is therefore NO LONGER A VAM in the current Van Allen-Mallis system. Philadelphia struck approximately 17.79 million Morgan Dollars in 1885 under the Bland-Allison Act mandate. Mullen noted that he proposed the "horned 1" name in his letter to LVA, who adopted it for the initial listing. This entry serves as a cautionary reference for collectors — illustrating how surface anomalies can mimic die varieties and why physical testing methods like the toothpick test remain essential authentication tools.

External References