1884-P VAM-5A

Description

One of the celebrated HOT 50 Morgan Dollar VAMs — the most sought-after varieties in the entire series — this 1884 Philadelphia Mint VAM-5A displays doubled 18 and ear on the obverse combined with a clashed obverse "n." The doubling appears on the digits 1 and 8 in the date and on Liberty's ear, while a faint partial incuse letter "n" from the word "In" on the reverse transferred next to Liberty's neck during a die clash event where the dies struck together without a planchet between them. Classified as 5A III2 - C3a (Doubled 18 & Ear, Clashed Obverse n) (188), this variety combines two distinct error types — hub doubling and die clashing — on a single coin. The Obverse III25 designation indicates a specific obverse die combination within the VAM classification framework. The clash-transferred "n" is particularly diagnostic: its incuse appearance on the obverse confirms direct metal-to-metal contact between the dies, and its position beside Liberty's neck provides a precise location for attribution. HOT 50 status makes this variety a cornerstone of advanced Morgan Dollar collecting.

External References