1882-P VAM-2

Description

Discovered by George Mallis himself in June 1965 — co-author of the definitive VAM reference — VAM-2 for the 1882 Philadelphia Morgan Dollar documents the "Open 2" variety where the knob and serif of the tail on the numeral 2 in the date do not touch the body of the digit. This open configuration creates a visible gap in the 2 that distinguishes it from the standard closed 2 seen on other 1882-P die marriages. Classified as III2 2 with a normal C3a reverse, the Open 2 characteristic results from the specific date punch used or from the position and depth of the individual digit punching. Date numeral variations are foundational to VAM classification — since each working die received its date digits by individual hand punching until the early twentieth century, the specific punches selected and the force and angle of their application produced measurable differences. George Mallis' personal discovery of this variety underscores his intimate involvement with the research that would culminate in the comprehensive Van Allen-Mallis catalog. Related varieties are cross-referenced at 1882-P VAM-1E2 and 1882-P VAM-1H, which share die characteristics. The 1882-P is a common date in the Morgan Dollar series with a mintage exceeding 11 million, struck during the Gilded Age when the Bland-Allison Act mandated continued silver dollar production regardless of public demand.

External References