1885-P VAM-4B

Description

Discovered in 2010 by Jason Henrichsen, VAM-4B on the 1885-P Morgan Dollar is classified as III2 4-C3a with descriptors "Low Dash Under 8, Die Scratch Star" and die pair number 188. The obverse die state III2 4 features a diagonal die scratch to the right of the seventh left star, and this die state occurs before the clashed "n & ust" transfers found on the related VAM-4A variety. The die progression sequence for this die pair runs VAM-4, then VAM-4B, then VAM-4A — meaning VAM-4B represents an intermediate die state between the original VAM-4 and the later clashed version VAM-4A, where the diagonal die scratch by the seventh star is present but the clash marks have not yet developed. The "Low Dash Under 8" descriptor refers to a die characteristic in the date area, likely a thin horizontal mark positioned below the 8 in the date that serves as a primary die identification feature alongside the star scratch. Understanding the die progression is crucial for accurate attribution: a specimen with the star scratch but without clash marks near Liberty's neck is VAM-4B, while the same die showing both the star scratch and incuse clash transfers of "n" and "ust" would be the later-state VAM-4A. The 1885 Philadelphia Morgan Dollar was struck without a mintmark in 90% silver composition (26.73 grams, 38.1 mm diameter). George T. Morgan's Liberty Head design places seven stars to the left and six to the right of Liberty's portrait, making the seventh left star position a specific and locatable diagnostic reference point.

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