1898-P VAM-12

Description

Discovered in 2014 by Kevin Slack and revised in May 2025 to update the doubling description on the 8, the 1898-P VAM-12 Morgan Dollar is classified as III2 12 – C3a (Doubled Right 8, Near Date) with die pairing number 189. The obverse (III2 12) exhibits the second 8 in 1898 doubled at the top inside and lower right inside of both loops, with the date set further left than the normal position — the "Near Date" component indicating the date digits are positioned closer to Liberty's portrait than the standard die placement. The die marker consists of vertical polishing lines below the lower cotton leaf in Liberty's hair wreath, a maintenance-related feature that uniquely identifies this obverse die. The DPIS (Die Position Index System) reading of B23/C4 provides additional reference coordinates for die position analysis within the VAM catalog framework. The reverse (C3a) is a normal die. The catalog notes that this variety supersedes VAM-10, reflecting a reclassification within the 1898-P die marriage catalog where improved analysis determined that the previously separate VAM-10 designation actually represented the same die pairing now consolidated under VAM-12. The Morgan Dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1898 during the Gilded Age in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. George T. Morgan's design continued through its twenty-first year of production. The May 2025 revision to the doubling description on the 8 demonstrates the VAM catalog's commitment to ongoing accuracy refinement, and collectors examining potential VAM-12 specimens should focus on both loops of the second 8 under 7x to 10x magnification while confirming the near-date positioning.

External References