1890-P VAM-6

Description

George Mallis — one of the two researchers whose surname initial forms the "M" in the VAM designation system alongside Leroy Van Allen — identified the 1890-P VAM-6 "Doubled 0" in June 1965, during the foundational era of Morgan dollar die variety research. Cataloged as 6 III2 6 · C3a (Doubled 0), this variety features doubling visible at the top of the final zero in the date 1890, where a secondary impression displaced the curved upper portion of the numeral from its primary position on the obverse of George T. Morgan's design. The Obverse III2 6 classification identifies a specific obverse die type within the III2 hub family, while the Reverse C3a pairs it with a normal reverse die of the C3 type. Philadelphia struck approximately 16.27 million Morgan dollars in 1890, a substantial production run that generated extensive die usage and provided the statistical basis for multiple variety discoveries across the date. The doubled zero diagnostic requires careful examination because the upper curve of the numeral 0 is a relatively small area, and the doubling — confined to the top of the digit — can be subtle on circulated specimens where wear has softened the fine detail of the date numerals. Die Pair Identification System (DPIS) entries remain unlisted, and emission sequence data for both the obverse and reverse dies awaits further documentation from ongoing research. Mallis's June 1965 discovery of this variety occurred at a time when he and Van Allen were systematically cataloging Morgan dollar die marriages, building the classification framework that would eventually encompass thousands of documented varieties across the entire 1878-1921 series. Collectors should examine the top of the zero in 1890 under at least 10x magnification, looking for a displaced secondary curve above or slightly offset from the primary zero contour.

External References