1888-P VAM-17

Description

Discovered by Martin Field in August 1982, VAM-17 for the 1888-P Morgan Dollar carries classification III2 1 with reverse C3g, described as "Die chips in 8's, Doubled Reverse." The obverse shows die chips lodged in the lower loops of the first and third 8 digits of the 1888 date — small fragments of die metal that broke away, allowing planchet metal to fill the resulting voids and create raised bumps within the numeral cavities. The reverse exhibits comprehensive doubling on the outside of both left and right wreaths, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, MERICA (partial AMERICA), and E-AR — indicating significant hub displacement during die production that affected multiple design elements simultaneously. Philadelphia struck 12.16 million Morgan Dollars in 1888. The rarity designation of 189 positions this variety at intermediate scarcity. The combination of obverse die chips with reverse doubling on a single die pair makes VAM-17 a noteworthy example of multiple error types coexisting on one coin.

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