1883-P VAM-13

Description

Discovered by Leroy Van Allen in June 1980 — co-creator of the entire VAM classification system for Morgan and Peace Dollar varieties — the 1883-P VAM-13 is classified as III2 13 · C3a (Slanted Date, Doubled 1-3) with die pairing number 192. The obverse (III2 13) features a slanted date with the digits 83 set high above the rim, creating an upward-angled date baseline rather than the standard horizontal positioning. The numeral 1 is doubled below the bottom crossbar and the 3 is doubled at the bottom inside of the lower loop, with very slight doubling also visible on the front of Liberty's eye. The reverse (C3a) is a normal die. A community observation adds an intriguing detail: this variety has a very unusual reed count, referring to the number of reeds on the coin's edge — a feature determined by the collar die used during striking, and an unusual count indicates this coin was struck using a non-standard collar that differed from the typical configuration used for most Morgan Dollar production. The Morgan Dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1883 in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. George T. Morgan's design was in its sixth year. Van Allen's discovery of this variety carries special provenance weight, as his systematic cataloging work (alongside George Mallis) created the framework that thousands of VAM collectors now use to classify Morgan Dollar die marriages. The slanted date with 83 set high above the rim is visible at a glance under moderate magnification, making this an approachable variety for collectors new to VAM attribution. The unusual reed count adds an additional dimension of interest for advanced collectors who examine edge characteristics as part of comprehensive variety study.

External References