1890-P VAM-1B

Description

Discovered in June 2005 by Mark Kimpton, the 1890-P VAM-1B represents a clashed obverse die state within the Morgan Dollar series. Classified as III21 under the Van Allen-Mallis obverse die numbering and paired with a C3a reverse designation, this variety bears the catalog number 190 and is identified by the presence of a nearly complete incuse letter "n" — transferred from the reverse inscription "In" — visible adjacent to Liberty's neck on the obverse. The clash mechanism behind this variety occurs when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without an intervening planchet, causing design elements from one die to impress into the opposing die face. On Morgan Dollars, the word "In" from the reverse motto "In God We Trust" sits in close proximity to the area occupied by Liberty's neck on the obverse, making this region particularly susceptible to clash transfer. The 1890 Philadelphia Mint Morgan Dollar was produced in a year when mintage reached approximately 16.8 million pieces, providing ample opportunity for die clash events across numerous die pairs. George T. Morgan's design, featuring Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton, had been in continuous production since 1878, and by 1890 die production and usage patterns were well established. The DPIS (Die Pair Identification System) entry is unassigned, indicating that full die pair sequencing has not yet been established. Collectors examining 1890-P Morgan Dollars for this variety should look carefully at the area beside Liberty's neck under magnification for the transferred "n" impression, which appears as a subtle incuse outline against the field.

External References