1890-P VAM-25A
Error
Description
Mark Kimpton identified this variety in August 2004, revealing an 1890 Philadelphia Mint Morgan Dollar where the date is positioned so low that the 9 extends into the denticles — the small tooth-like projections along the coin's rim border. This extreme low positioning, designated "9 in Denticles," places the bottom of the numeral within the decorative border that frames the design field. Additionally, the obverse displays a clashed "n" — a partial incuse impression of the letter "n" from "In" on the reverse, transferred next to Liberty's neck when the dies struck together without an intervening planchet. Classified as 25A III224 - C3a (189), this variety combines an unusual date placement with evidence of die clash contact, offering two independent diagnostic features. The clashed obverse "n" is a recurring phenomenon across Morgan Dollar production, occurring whenever dies met without a coin blank, but its pairing with the distinctive low date position on this specific obverse die makes VAM-25A readily identifiable among 1890 Philadelphia varieties. 1890-P VAM-25A 9 in Denticles, Clashed Obverse n Discovered by Mark Kimpton, August 2004.
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