1892-P VAM-4

Description

Identified by Martin Field in October 1980, the 1892-P VAM-4 records a Philadelphia Morgan Dollar with the date punched closer to the bust truncation than standard — the opposite of a Far Date variety. Classified with DPIS code B23C, the Near Date designation indicates the four-digit logotype was hand-punched into the working die shifted leftward toward Liberty's neck, reducing the gap between the leftmost digit and the truncation. Date position provided one of the earliest and most reliable classification criteria in the VAM system because it represents an immutable die characteristic: once punched, its position was permanent for every coin struck from that die. The 1892-P was produced at Philadelphia, the original U.S. Mint facility in continuous operation since 1792. Morgan's Liberty Head design, featuring Phrygian-capped Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle clutching arrows and olive branch on the reverse, was in its fifteenth year. Struck in 90% silver at 38.1mm and 26.73 grams. To confirm, compare the date-to-truncation gap against a standard 1892-P, looking for the closer positioning that defines the Near Date. =1892-P VAM-4 Near Date= Discovered by Martin Field, October 1980.

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