1898-P VAM-6

Description

Featuring a strongly doubled first 8 in the date, VAM-6 of the 1898 Morgan Dollar was discovered by Louis Davis in November 1977 during the early expansion of the VAM cataloging system. Cataloged as 6 III2 6 C3a, the obverse displays the first 8 strongly doubled at its bottom left, manifesting as a thin curved line visible on the field adjacent to the digit. This bold doubling resulted from measurable hub displacement during die preparation, and the curved nature of the secondary impression follows the contour of the 8's lower loop. The thin curved line on the field is particularly diagnostic because it extends beyond the digit's boundary into the open field area, making it readily identifiable under moderate magnification. The 1898 Philadelphia Morgan Dollar had a substantial mintage exceeding five million pieces, making the base date common while specific VAM varieties like VAM-6 require careful examination to identify. Struck in 90% silver and 10% copper at 26.73 grams, this Morgan Dollar preserves a strongly doubled date digit where the secondary impression creates a distinctive curved line extending into the adjacent field.

External References