1896-P VAM-8

Description

Discovered by Maurice Dubreuil in January 1977, the 1896-P VAM-8 is a doubled-date variety on the Philadelphia Morgan Dollar designed by George T. Morgan. Cataloged as III2 8 - C3a with die-pair designation 189, this obverse die shows doubling on two digits: the 1 is doubled slightly below the top crossbar, and the 6 is doubled at its top outside, producing a flat curved line visible next to the top loop. The doubling on the 6 is particularly diagnostic, as the secondary impression creates a shelf-like extension that stands apart from the normal contour of the digit — a feature that experienced attributors can spot quickly under moderate magnification. The variety carries a DPIS reference of RH3/LE5, placing it within the Die Progression Identification System for tracking die-state relationships across the VAM catalog. The 1896 Philadelphia Morgan Dollar benefits from a generous mintage that keeps the base date affordable, making VAM-8 accessible to variety collectors building comprehensive date-and-VAM sets. Dubreuil's 1977 discovery came during a productive era of VAM research when many significant die varieties were being formally documented for the first time.

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