1885-P VAM-3

Description

Among the earliest varieties cataloged in the Van Allen-Mallis reference, VAM-3 was discovered by George Mallis himself in June 1965 — one of the two numismatists whose systematic die study created the VAM classification system. This Philadelphia Mint Morgan Dollar is designated III2 3 - C3a (188) and identified by two principal diagnostics: a high dash positioned under and touching the second 8 in the date, and doubling across the top of the 5. The short dash beneath the second 8 sits higher than normal, creating a distinctive marker that separates VAM-3 from the majority of 1885-P die pairs. Collectors should take care not to confuse this variety with 1885-P VAM-18, which also exhibits a high dash under the 8 but displays different supplementary die characteristics. The doubling on the 5 is best observed under moderate magnification, where the extra thickness along the top curve becomes apparent against the recessed field. As a discovery attributed to one of the founders of VAM collecting, this variety carries historical significance within the specialty beyond its die diagnostics alone.

External References