1897-P VAM-3A

Description

Representing the late die state of the parent 1897-P VAM-3, this Philadelphia Mint Morgan Dollar is designated VAM-3A and features a doubled 1 in the date combined with a pitted reverse. The doubled 1 carries secondary impressions from hub displacement during die manufacture, visible at the upper portion of the digit. The reverse pitting concentrates in and around the N in ONE, where die surface deterioration transferred a rough, granular texture to struck coins. This pitting pattern differs from VAM-6A, which exhibits pitting in a different location — a distinction important for accurate attribution between similarly described varieties. The A suffix indicates a later die state within the VAM-3 family, meaning the pitting developed after initial use when the die surface began deteriorating from moisture exposure or chemical reaction. As a die-state progression variety, VAM-3A documents the physical aging of a specific die pair. Philadelphia struck 2,822,000 Morgan Dollars in 1897, and distinguishing the pitting patterns of VAM-3A from VAM-6A remains an essential diagnostic for collectors working through the 1897 catalog. 1897-P VAM-3A Doubled 1, Pitted Reverse Discovered by Lee Tucker, April 1999 3A III23 · C3a (Doubled 1, Pitted Reverse) (190) Reverse C3a– Raised dots from denticles through part of N in ONE from rusted die.

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