1885-P VAM-1A

Description

Discovered by Pete Bishal in December 1974 and recognized as a Hot 50 Morgan VAM — the elite list of the fifty most significant and collected VAM varieties — the 1885-P VAM-1A is designated "Pitted Reverse" and carries the catalog designation obverse III2-1 paired with reverse C3a. The reverse die shows extensive pitting below the left wreath around the letters ONE D, where the die surface deteriorated and developed small cavities that transferred as raised dots and bumps on struck coins. This pitting likely resulted from rust, corrosion, or die steel impurities that caused surface breakdown during production. The VAM-1A has undergone a split elimination, being divided into sub-varieties: VAM-1A1 (Pitted Reverse) and VAM-1A2 (Pitted Reverse, Clashed n, t and M) — the latter adding die clash evidence to the pitting diagnostics, with PCGS MS66 and PCGS MS65 population records noted. The split reflects the VAM catalog's evolving precision, where initial broad designations are subdivided as researchers identify distinct die states and additional features. The 1885-P Morgan Dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 90% silver at 26.73 grams on 38.1mm planchets, with a mintage of 17,787,000. As a Hot 50 variety, VAM-1A commands premium prices over normal 1885-P specimens, particularly in higher grades where the reverse pitting contrasts dramatically with lustrous surfaces.

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