1885-P VAM-1K

Description

Discovered in 2012 by a collector known as Colonel, the 1885-P VAM-1K Morgan Dollar is cataloged as 1K III2 1 - C3a, designated a Weak Clashed n variety. The obverse (III2 1) displays a clashed die with a short, faint partial incuse "n" from the reverse inscription "In" visible next to Liberty's neck — this clash mark is described as weak, meaning it is subtle and requires careful examination under magnification to detect. Die clashing occurs when the obverse and reverse dies strike together without a planchet between them, transferring design elements from each die to the other. In this case, the lowercase "n" from the reverse's "In God We Trust" (positioned near the eagle's breast on the reverse die) transferred to the obverse die adjacent to Liberty's neck. A distinctive obverse die marker accompanies this variety: a long, vertical polishing line in front of Liberty's face, evidence of die maintenance work that left a permanent mark on the die surface. George T. Morgan designed this silver dollar, struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 26.73 grams at 38.1 mm diameter with a reeded edge. The Philadelphia Mint, in continuous operation since 1792, produced the majority of Morgan Dollars during the series' run from 1878 to 1921 (with a hiatus from 1905 to 1920). The 1885-P is a common date in the Morgan series, but individual VAM varieties represent specific die pairs with unique characteristics. The "Weak Clashed n" classification alerts collectors that the clash feature is subtle — the partial, faint nature of the "n" impression means it can easily be overlooked without deliberate examination under at least 7x magnification in the specific area next to Liberty's neck. The long vertical polishing line in front of the face provides a more readily visible preliminary screening marker.

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