1893-P VAM-5

Description

Among the most significant entries in Morgan Dollar collecting, the 1893-P VAM-5 pairs one of the series' most important key dates with a distinctive die variety — the Near Date with Closed 9. With a mintage of only 378,000 coins, the 1893-P stands as one of the lowest-production Philadelphia Morgan Dollars, making every die variety from this date an object of intense collector interest. Discovered by Edwin Miller in January 1970, designated 5 III2 5 with reverse die C3a (Near Date), obverse die III2 5 shows the date positioned further left than normal with a closed loop on the 9. The leftward shift and closed 9 — where the tail curls inward to meet the upper bowl — together distinguish this die from other 1893-P pairings. Date position varied because the four-digit logotype was hand-punched into each working die. Morgan's Liberty Head design was in its sixteenth year by 1893. Struck at Philadelphia in 90% silver at 38.1mm and 26.73 grams. Examine the date for leftward positioning and the closed 9 to confirm this scarce key-date variety.

External References