1884-P VAM-6

Description

Discovered by Guy Messing in June 1975, this Philadelphia Mint Morgan Dollar is classified under die pair (188) and features a low dash under the 8, a far date position, and a doubled ear. The doubled ear is the most visually prominent diagnostic, created by a secondary impression of the ear detail during die production. The low dash under the 8 — a small incuse line beneath the digit — and the far date spacing provide secondary attribution markers. VAM-6 is related to VAM-31, which shares characteristics from this die pair or a connected die lineage. The relationship reflects the interconnected nature of die variety research, where obverse or reverse dies may be shared across multiple marriages or progressive die states create distinct catalog entries. Guy Messing's 1975 discovery places this among the earlier-documented Philadelphia Morgan Dollar varieties, predating widespread adoption of the VAM catalog system. The 1884 Philadelphia Morgan Dollar was struck in large quantities, providing ample material for variety researchers, and the doubled ear makes VAM-6 one of the more readily identifiable varieties for the date.

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