1890-P VAM-2

Description

The 1890-P VAM-2 Morgan Dollar is classified as Open 9, with technical designation III2 2 - C3a, referring to the style of the 9 digit in the date where the loop does not fully close, leaving a visible gap. This numeral style distinction — open versus closed 9 — was once a significant VAM attribution criterion based on the belief that different date logotypes or punch styles were used during die preparation. However, the catalog itself carries an important note: "Open & closed numerals is no longer used for VAM attributions," meaning the numismatic community has determined that these variations do not represent meaningful die variety differences worthy of separate cataloging. Additionally, the entry notes that "This VAM is no longer supported by the SSDC registry," indicating that the Silver Dollar Club — a major organization for Morgan and Peace Dollar variety collectors — has delisted this variety from its supported VAM list. The 1890-P was struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a mintage of approximately 16.8 million coins, making it a common date. VAM-2's delisted status makes it a fascinating study in the evolution of variety classification standards. As the field has matured, the criteria for what constitutes a meaningful die variety have been refined, and entries based solely on numeral style have been systematically removed or deprecated. Collectors who encounter references to VAM-2 in older price guides or attribution services should be aware of its current unsupported status. The obverse is described as a "Normal die. Open 9," confirming that no other diagnostic features beyond the numeral style were identified.

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