1883-P VAM-18A

Description

Discovered by Brian Raines in May 2004, the 1883-P VAM-18A Morgan Dollar is classified as 18A III2 18 · C3a (Quadrupled Right Stars, Clashed Obverse n & st) — a multi-feature variety combining quadrupled stars with evidence of a die clash event. The obverse (III2 18) is a clashed die exhibiting partial incuse n from the word "In" on the reverse, visible next to Liberty's neck, along with faint partial incuse st from "Trust" showing in the right hair vee of the lower hair edge. These transferred reverse inscription fragments document a die clash event where the obverse and reverse dies struck each other without a planchet, transferring reverse design elements as incuse impressions into the obverse die face. The reverse (C3a) is classified as a normal die. The "Quadrupled Right Stars" component indicates the right-side stars received four successive hub impressions with slight displacement between each, creating layered star images that expand outward from the original position. A catalog note identifies this as a later die state than 1883-P VAM-18, establishing a die state progression within this obverse die's documented history. The Morgan Dollar was designed by George T. Morgan and struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1883 in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. The 1883-P had a mintage of approximately 12.1 million pieces. The combination of quadrupled stars and clash marks documents two distinct events in this die's history — the hubbing anomaly that created the star multiplication and the subsequent clash event that transferred reverse lettering onto the obverse — each leaving its own diagnostic signature for collectors to identify.

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