1900-P VAM-5

Description

Classified as III2 4, C3a, this 1900 Philadelphia Mint Morgan Dollar displays a near date position with an open 9 in the date. Die pairs 187, 188, and 189 have been associated with this variety, and the DPIS code is B23LE. The open 9 refers to a variation in the numeral where the loop does not fully close, serving as a primary diagnostic alongside the near date placement. Despite sharing a catalog number prefix with VAMs 5A, 5B, and 5C, this variety does not share dies with any of them, establishing it as an independent die marriage. However, the reverse die is shared with VAM-14.2, connecting these two varieties through common reverse die usage. Discovered by Edwin Miller in January 1970, VAM-5 represents one of the earlier documented varieties for the 1900-P date, predating the formal publication of the Van Allen-Mallis reference. The 90% silver Morgan Dollar was struck in large numbers at Philadelphia in 1900 as the series entered its final decade of regular production. The multiple die pair associations and the shared reverse relationship with VAM-14.2 help researchers reconstruct the complex die usage patterns at Philadelphia during this period. Reverse C3a - DPIS - B23LE ;Emission Sequence :Obverse: :Reverse: Comments: # 1900-P VAM-5 shares neither the obverse die nor the reverse die with 1900-P VAM-5A, 1900-P VAM-5B, or 1900-P VAM-5C.

External References