1882-P VAM-16

Description

Discovered by Martin Field in December 1980, the 1882-P VAM-16 Morgan Dollar carries the classification III2 16 · C3a (Doubled Date) with die pairing number 180. The obverse (III2 16) exhibits doubling across the entire date 1882, with each digit showing displacement in distinct locations: the 1 is doubled slightly at the top right of the vertical shaft, the first 8 is doubled slightly at the lower left outside of the upper loop, the second 8 is doubled strongly on the left outside of the upper loop and at the bottom left of the lower loop, and the 2 is doubled at the left and right outside of the upper loop. This digit-by-digit variation in doubling location and intensity reveals the hub displacement vector's relationship to each numeral's geometry — the second 8 receives the strongest doubling, suggesting its position on the die face aligned most favorably with the direction and magnitude of the hub offset. The reverse (C3a) is classified as a normal die. The Morgan Dollar was designed by George T. Morgan and struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1882 in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. The 1882-P had a mintage of approximately 11.1 million pieces. Martin Field's discovery in 1980 added this variety to the growing VAM catalog during a period of intense Morgan Dollar variety research. The strong doubling on the second 8 — visible on multiple parts of the digit — provides the quickest screening criterion, as collectors can focus initial examination on that position before confirming the subtler doubling present on the 1, first 8, and 2. The full-date doubling across all four digits makes this a complete doubled date variety rather than a partial.

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