1900-P VAM-14.4

Description

Revised from its original classification, VAM-14.4 documents a near slanted date with lines in the ear on the 1900 Philadelphia Morgan Dollar — classified as III2 12 with the C3a reverse die and numerical position (189). The obverse shows the date set further left than normal, with the 1 positioned close to the rim — a date placement variation that results from the punch being applied at a different lateral position than the standard die. Lines visible in Liberty's ear provide a secondary attribution marker specific to this die. Some examples may exhibit collar clash impressions spelling IBUS (from E PLURIBUS UNUM) and polishing lines near L and I — evidence of die clashing followed by Mint attempts to remove the clash marks through die dressing. Philadelphia struck approximately 8.83 million Morgan Dollars in 1900, a figure that reflected the ongoing silver purchase requirements as the 19th century closed. The .4 suffix in the VAM designation indicates this is a sub-variety branching from the main VAM-14 die marriage, with the specific combination of near slanted date placement and ear line markers distinguishing it from other VAM-14 sub-varieties. Morgan Dollar production at Philadelphia in 1900 utilized silver purchased under provisions that would soon be revisited as the nation debated its monetary standard in the new century.

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