1896-P VAM-1C

Description

Classified III2 1 C3a and designated "Thread-Like Impression Eagle's Wing," VAM-1C for the 1896 Philadelphia Mint Morgan Dollar documents one of the subtle die anomalies that VAM specialists prize. The reverse, classified C3a, carries a thread-like impression at the inner middle of the eagle's right wing — a fine raised line likely transferred from a foreign object or die contact during manufacturing. The obverse, classified III2 1, shows a faint diagonal die gouge below the right U in PLURIBUS with the date at the left edge of normal lateral position. A horizontal die gouge in the "D" hair curl of Liberty serves as the primary obverse die marker. Philadelphia struck approximately 9.98 million Morgan Dollars in 1896 in 90% silver and 10% copper at 26.73 grams. The "C" suffix in VAM-1C indicates the third documented die state or marriage within the VAM-1 family, reflecting progressive cataloging as new specimens revealed additional die characteristics. Thread-like impressions are among the more elusive anomalies, requiring careful magnification of the wing feather detail where the fine raised line intersects normal design elements.

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