1880-P VAM-19

Description

Discovered by Bill Fivaz in March 1973, this 1880 Philadelphia Mint Morgan Dollar carries the distinction of attribution by one of the most influential figures in American numismatic variety research. Classified as VAM-19 III2 19 ∙ C3a (Tripled 8, Doubled 1-80), the obverse (III2 19) shows the first 8 tripled at the bottom right outside of both loops, with the 1 doubled slightly below its crossbar, the second 8 and 0 doubled slightly at the top left and right outside, and the 0 tripled slightly on the left inside. The reverse (C3a) is a normal die. Tripling on the first 8 is the signature diagnostic — three distinct impressions visible on a single digit indicate at least three hub contacts during die production, making this mechanistically more complex than a standard doubled die. Fivaz, co-author of the Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties, brought the same systematic approach to his VAM discoveries that would later shape his landmark reference work. The Philadelphia Mint struck Morgan Dollars without a mint mark, and VAM-19 represents one of the more notable date-position varieties among 1880-P issues.

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