1896-P VAM-5A

Description

Cataloged under classification III2 5 / C3a with Rarity-(190), this 1896 Philadelphia Mint Morgan Dollar variety features doubled digits 18 and 6 in the date on the obverse, along with a distinctive pitted wing on the reverse caused by die rust. The obverse die (III2 5) shows heavy die polishing lines in the top of Liberty's Phrygian cap — evidence that the Mint attempted to extend the die's service life through surface maintenance. The reverse die (C3a) exhibits a vertical band of raised dots across the eagle's right wing, produced when rust pitted the die surface and those pits transferred as raised features during striking. Die rust creates a distinctive stippled or pitted texture that is unmistakable under magnification and represents one of the more unusual surface conditions documented on Morgan Dollar varieties. The "A" suffix on VAM-5A indicates this is a die state variant of VAM-5, documenting a later stage in the die's life when additional characteristics — in this case the rust-induced pitting — became visible. The 1896 Philadelphia Morgan Dollar had a mintage of 9,976,762 pieces, and the combination of date doubling with die rust damage makes this a die marriage of dual diagnostic interest for VAM collectors.

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