1881-P VAM-13

Description

Discovered by Leroy Van Allen in February 1980 and revised in January 2010 by VAMfinder to add the Thread-Like Impression component, the 1881-P VAM-13 Morgan Dollar carries the classification III2 13 – C3a (Doubled 18, Thread-Like Impression) with die pairing number 181. Documented in the VAMWorld catalog, the obverse (III2 13) exhibits two distinct features: the digits 18 in the date are doubled on the surface at the very bottom outside, and the first 8 has a die chip at the left inside of the upper loop. Additionally, a looped thread-like impression appears in front of the Phrygian cap fold — an unusual anomaly whose origin may involve a foreign material impression, die damage, or an artifact of the die manufacturing process. The 2010 revision by VAMfinder added the thread-like impression to the variety's formal description, recognizing it as a persistent die feature rather than a random occurrence on individual coins. The reverse (C3a) is classified as a normal die. The combination of bottom-surface doubling on the 18 digits with the distinctive thread-like loop creates a variety with two independent diagnostic features, each requiring different examination techniques — the date doubling is best observed with flat lighting to detect the doubled outlines, while the thread-like impression requires angled lighting to reveal its relief against the adjacent field. George T. Morgan designed the coin, struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1881 in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. The 1881-P had a mintage of approximately 9.2 million pieces. Leroy Van Allen's original discovery and VAMfinder's subsequent revision illustrate the collaborative nature of VAM cataloging, where initial descriptions are refined as additional specimens and expertise contribute to the understanding of each die marriage.

External References