1889-P VAM-12A

Description

Discovered by George Powell in April 2004, this 1889 Philadelphia Mint Morgan Dollar is classified as VAM-12A (revised) III2 12 C3a (Doubled 1, Die Breaks 1-2 Left Stars), die pair (190). The obverse (III2 12) shows die breaks at the first and second left stars on late die states, documenting progressive rim and design failure. No Die Pair Identification Specifics (DPIS) have been assigned. Although not in the official description, the 1889-P VAM-12A has a far date with a high 9, as confirmed per letter from the LVA in 2018 — this supplementary information from the Late Variety Association adds an important diagnostic detail not captured in the original cataloging. The "(revised)" designation indicates this entry was updated after initial publication to refine the classification. Powell’s 2004 discovery added to the 1889-P VAM catalog during a period of active Morgan Dollar variety research. The die breaks at the left stars on late die states mean that early die state specimens would lack these breaks, making die state identification essential for proper attribution of this variety.

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