1903-P VAM-2

Description

Discovered by George Mallis in June 1965, the 1903-P VAM-2 holds a unique place in numismatic history — Mallis is the "M" in the VAM classification system, co-creator alongside Leroy Van Allen of the framework that would catalog thousands of Morgan and Peace Dollar die varieties. This variety's defining feature is an Open 9 in the date, where the tail of the digit does not curl back to meet the upper bowl, leaving a visible gap. The open versus closed 9 distinction was among the earliest diagnostic criteria the VAM system codified, demonstrating how subtle differences in digit morphology reveal distinct working dies. Digit shape variations arose from differences in the logotype punches or the depth and angle at which they were driven into the die. The 1903-P was the penultimate year of regular Philadelphia Morgan Dollar production before the series paused, resuming only briefly in 1921. Morgan's Liberty Head design was in its twenty-sixth year, struck in 90% silver at 38.1mm and 26.73 grams. Examine the 9 — if the tail fails to connect with the upper bowl, the coin matches the Open 9 diagnostic discovered by one of the system's founding researchers.

External References