1884-P VAM-8D

Description

Discovered by Laurence Galbraith in October 2005, the 1884-P VAM-8D combines two distinct obverse characteristics: a far date positioning and a curious horizontal curvy hair-like impression at the back of Liberty's jaw. Classified as III28 with reverse die C3a and carrying R-5 rarity (estimated 1-30 known specimens) at interest level I-2, the variety's dual-feature nature makes it particularly interesting — the far date reflects intentional die preparation where the date logotype was positioned further from the bust than typical, while the hair-like impression at the jaw suggests a die defect or transfer mark creating the appearance of a stray hair curl below the normal hair detail. The "hair on jaw" characteristic is visually distinctive because it appears in the smooth field area behind Liberty's jawline, where no design element should normally exist. The 1884 Philadelphia Morgan Dollar was struck during one of the series' peak production years when enormous silver purchases under the Bland-Allison Act drove continuous dollar coinage. George T. Morgan's Liberty Head portrait, with its elaborate hair wreath of cotton bolls, wheat ears, and laurel, provides a complex facial area where anomalous marks like the jaw impression stand out against the intended design. Struck in 90% silver at 38.1mm and 26.73 grams. Look for the far date and the curvy hair-like mark at the back of Liberty's jaw.

External References