1895-P VAM-1

Description

Among the most coveted coins in American numismatics, the 1895-P Morgan Dollar is a proof-only issue: no business strike examples are confirmed, and the entire production of 880 specimens was struck as proofs. VAM-1, classified III2 1 C3a with the attribution Normal Date, represents the standard die pairing. The date is centered in normal position; die markers include lines in the lower hair near the designer's initial. The reverse is C3a: a filled wreath bow with no distinct die polishing lines; the area between the top arrow feather and the lowest olive leaf is filled with the lower left edge indistinct; a horizontal line runs to the right of the top of the eagle's right foot. The DPIS is C3/B45. This variety is also cataloged as JD-4 in John Dannreuther's United States Proof Coins, Volume III, and as JP Martin Die 1. With 880 proofs and no business strikes, the 1895-P occupies a singular position in the Morgan Dollar series — every known example is a proof, struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 90% silver on specially prepared planchets.

External References