1902-P VAM-5.1

Description

Discovered by Leroy Van Allen in January 1979 and revised in 2009, the 1902-P VAM-5.1 Morgan Dollar carries the classification III2 5 - C4a (Doubled Profile) with die pairing number 189. As a variety discovered by Van Allen himself — co-creator of the entire VAM classification system — this listing connects directly to the foundational scholarship that established systematic Morgan and Peace Dollar die variety study. The obverse (III2 5) exhibits Liberty's profile doubled at the forehead, nose, lips, and chin — a comprehensive portrait doubling affecting the major contour lines of the face — along with slight doubling at the top of the Phrygian cap. This profile doubling is particularly diagnostic because the facial features represent the deepest-cut elements of the obverse die, and their doubling creates a visible secondary outline that traces Liberty's entire facial silhouette. The reverse (C4a) displays very slight doubling and traces of additional die anomalies. The 2009 revision updated the original 1979 designation, reflecting the ongoing refinement of VAM classifications as new information and improved attribution techniques become available over the decades since Van Allen and A. George Mallis published their original comprehensive catalog. The Morgan Dollar was designed by George T. Morgan and struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1902 in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. The 1902-P had a mintage of approximately 7.99 million pieces. The doubled profile — visible across forehead, nose, lips, and chin in a continuous secondary contour — provides one of the most visually satisfying attribution experiences in Morgan Dollar variety collecting, as the entire face of Liberty carries the shadow of the second impression.

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