1885-P VAM-9.3

Description

Representing the very earliest die state of an evolving die pairing, this 1885 Philadelphia Mint Morgan Dollar is classified as VAM-9.3 III2 9 - C3a (Far Date), die pair (188). The obverse (III2 9) shows the date set further right than normal, earning the "Far Date" designation. The die state progression runs 9.3, then 9C, then 9B — this pairing with no transfer features represents the earliest stage before die transfer marks developed on subsequent specimens. The reverse is a normal die (C3a). Understanding this progression is significant for VAM collectors because it allows chronological sequencing: specimens showing VAM-9.3 characteristics were struck before those showing 9C features, which preceded 9B examples. The "no transfer" designation at the 9.3 stage means the die had not yet developed the transfer markers that distinguish the later stages, making 9.3 specimens identifiable by the absence of these features combined with the far date position. Die state progressions like this help researchers reconstruct production sequences at the Philadelphia Mint.

External References