1886-P VAM-1.4

Description

The 1886 Philadelphia Morgan Dollar VAM-1.4 is designated "Closed 6" and classified as 1.4 III2 1 - C3a, indicating a normal obverse die of the III2 type paired with a normal reverse die of the C3 type. The defining feature is the closed 6 in the date, where the upper knob of the numeral touches the lower loop, creating a fully enclosed interior space rather than the open gap seen on other 1886 die varieties. This sub-variety falls within the broader VAM-1 family, and as catalog notes indicate, just one more die pair remains lumped under the generic VAM-1 designation. A thorough die study would help separate the remaining VAM-1 specimens into their proper attributions. The closed versus open 6 distinction is a fundamental diagnostic in Morgan Dollar date analysis, and collectors examining 1886 Philadelphia dollars should inspect the upper terminal of the 6 under magnification to determine whether contact with the lower loop has been made. The VAM-1 family's internal complexity illustrates how ongoing research continues to refine attributions even for dates that have been studied for decades.

External References