1891-P VAM-12A

Description

Originally discovered in 2015 and subsequently eliminated in July 2022 as a duplicate of VAM-10, the 1891-P VAM-12A "Far Date, Doubled Wreaths, Pitted 91" Morgan dollar illustrates the self-correcting nature of the VAM cataloging system. Cataloged as 12A III2 3 - C3a (Far Date, Doubled Wreaths, Pitted 91) with die alignment at 190 degrees, the obverse features a few raised dots from a rusted die surface at the digits 91 in the date — evidence of die deterioration where moisture exposure caused iron oxide pitting that transferred as raised points on struck coins. George T. Morgan's silver dollar was produced in moderate quantities at Philadelphia in 1891, with a mintage of approximately 8.69 million pieces. The elimination notation "Duplicate of VAM 10" reveals that upon further analysis, the die characteristics attributed to VAM-12A were determined to match those already documented under VAM-10, meaning both catalog entries described the same physical die pair. Such consolidations are common in the evolving VAM system, where independent discoveries sometimes identify previously documented dies from different specimens or angles, and the rigorous peer review process eventually reconciles overlapping attributions. The Obverse III2 3 designation identifies a specific obverse hub type with the date positioned further from the design elements than normal (far date), while the doubled wreaths characteristic indicates hub doubling visible on the reverse wreath details. The pitted 91 — raised dots from die rust concentrated at the last two date digits — provides a particularly distinctive diagnostic, as die rust patterns are unique to individual dies and develop progressively through use and storage. Although eliminated as a separate variety, VAM-12A remains in the catalog as a cross-reference pointing to VAM-10, ensuring collectors who encounter the designation can locate the correct attribution.

External References