1895-P VAM-2

Description

Carrying the Van Allen–Madison classification 2 III2 2 · C3b (Filled Ear, 9), this 1895-P Morgan Dollar die marriage presents a distinctive combination of obverse fill anomalies and reverse die gouging that reward careful examination. The obverse (III2 2) shows Liberty's inner ear fill elongated beyond its normal contour, accompanied by a filled lower loop on the 9 in the date — two separate areas of excess metal flow or die fill that alter the expected design detail. The date is set to the right side of its normal lateral position, adding a positional diagnostic. The reverse (C3b) exhibits a die gouge running through the lowest outside left wreath berries extending to the leaf above the N in ONE on early die stages, with no lines in the wing-neck gap and diagonal die polishing lines visible inside the wreath bow. The DPIS reading of RH3/LE5 provides die position coordinates within the VAM reference system. Catalog commentary identifies this die marriage as JD-1 in John Dannreuther's forthcoming United States Proof Coins, Volume III, and as JP Martin Die 2 — cross-references that underscore the scholarly significance of this particular die pairing, especially given the extreme rarity of 1895-P Morgan Dollars as proof issues with a mintage of only 880 pieces and no confirmed business strikes. George T. Morgan's design was struck in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter at the Philadelphia Mint. The 1895-P holds the distinction of being the key date in the entire Morgan Dollar series, and VAM collectors pursuing this date must navigate both the coin's inherent rarity and the subtlety of die identification points like the filled ear and elongated 9 fill documented in this variety.

External References