1881-P VAM-30

Description

Discovered in 2015, VAM-30 on the 1881-P Morgan Dollar is classified as III2 29-C3a with descriptors "Doubled 1-1, Tripled Left 8" and an unconfirmed rarity rating (?). The obverse die state III2 29 exhibits doubled left 1 at the top right of the vertical shaft and doubled right 1 at the very top. More dramatically, the left 8 in the date is tripled — showing extra images at the top inside of both loops and at the bottom right outside of the lower loop. The die marker for this variety consists of numerous diagonal polishing lines visible inside the ear of Liberty, providing an attribution diagnostic independent of the date doubling. Tripled date digits are relatively uncommon in Morgan Dollar VAM collecting, as they require at least three hub impressions at slightly different positions to create the triple image, compared to the more common two-impression doubled dates. The specific locations of the tripling on the left 8 — affecting both the upper and lower loops at specific contact points — create a distinctive fingerprint that distinguishes VAM-30 from other doubled or tripled date varieties on the 1881-P. The 1881 Philadelphia Morgan Dollar was struck without a mintmark in 90% silver composition (26.73 grams, 38.1 mm diameter). George T. Morgan's Liberty Head design features prominently detailed hair strands where diagnostic polishing lines within the ear cavity serve as reliable attribution confirmation. The C3a reverse classification denotes a standard centered mintmark position, though Philadelphia issues carry no mintmark.

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