1880-P VAM-1B

Description

This variety has been eliminated. VAM-1B was originally cataloged for the 1880 Philadelphia Morgan Dollar based on diagonal polishing lines at the top right inside of the lower loop of the second 8 in the date, paired with a normal C3a reverse. Discovered by Leroy Van Allen in April 1973 — Van Allen being co-creator of the VAM classification system alongside A. George Mallis — the variety was designated III2 1 C3a and titled "Lines in 8." In July 2024, VAM-1B was formally eliminated and superseded by VAM-63, meaning subsequent research determined that the diagnostics originally assigned to 1B were better classified under VAM-63. Elimination of a VAM number does not erase its history; the number is retired and cross-referenced to its successor, preserving the research trail while consolidating the classification. Collectors holding coins previously attributed as VAM-1B should seek re-attribution under VAM-63. That this variety was discovered by Van Allen himself lends it historical significance — it represents one of the earliest cataloging efforts from the system's co-founder, later refined as the VAM framework matured over five decades.

External References