1887-P VAM-1L

Description

Discovered in 2012 by Brent Fogelberg, the 1887-P VAM-1L Morgan dollar was initially cataloged as featuring a "Die Break UR" — a die crack running from rim to rim above the letters UR in PLURIBUS on the reverse, with a slight displaced field break creating a retained cud. Cataloged as 1L III2 1 · C3a (Die Break UR) with a 190-degree die alignment, this variety documented an obverse die crack that traced a path from one rim point to another across the UR inscription, with the enclosed die section beginning to separate and push outward to create the characteristic raised, irregular surface of a retained cud. However, the crucial comment "Delisted" indicates this variety has been removed from the active VAM catalog — a process that occurs when further research determines the variety duplicates a previously cataloged entry, or when the diagnostic characteristics are reassessed as insufficient to warrant independent classification. Delisting is a natural part of the evolving VAM cataloging process, where initial attributions are sometimes consolidated or withdrawn as the research community accumulates additional data and reference specimens. Philadelphia struck approximately 20.29 million Morgan dollars in 1887, a substantial production year that has generated a deep VAM catalog. Brent Fogelberg, a prolific contributor to Morgan dollar VAM research with discoveries spanning multiple dates, identified the die break's path from rim to rim above UR and the associated displaced field break — diagnostics that were initially considered distinctive enough for independent catalog entry. George T. Morgan's reverse design places E PLURIBUS UNUM across the upper reverse, where the letters UR sit in an area susceptible to die cracking as the rim's elevated edge concentrates stress during repeated striking cycles. Although delisted, this entry remains in the database as a historical record of the attribution process and to prevent future researchers from re-reporting the same die characteristics as a new discovery.

External References