1885-P VAM-9D

Description

Discovered in November 2010, this Philadelphia Morgan dollar is designated VAM-9D with classification III2 9 and a C3a reverse under the title Far Date, Clashed Obverse n. The obverse positions the date in the middle of the far lateral range, and a clashed die impression produces a faint partial incuse n from the word In on the reverse, visible at Liberty's neck edge. This die clash sits higher than the corresponding clash on VAM-9C, which serves as a primary distinction between the two varieties. The 5 in the date is doubled at the bottom outside of the loop, adding a subtle date doubling element. VAMWorld notes that the early die state of VAM-9D, when unclashed and showing lines in Liberty, corresponds to the separate listing VAM-9D4. The presence or absence of the clashed n and the clash height relative to VAM-9C are the critical attribution points. A clear ear without a check mark further distinguishes this variety from related die states. The far date position, combined with the specific clash height and the doubled 5, gives collectors three distinct features to verify when attributing specimens to VAM-9D.

External References