1888-P VAM-4A

Description

Discovered by Mark Kimpton in September 2004, the 1888-P VAM-4A Morgan Dollar is designated as a Hot 50 Morgan VAM — an elite classification reserved for the most sought-after and significant varieties in the entire Morgan Dollar catalog. Classified as 4A III21 · C3b (Doubled Reverse, Clashed Obverse n & st) with die pairing number 190, this variety presents two distinct anomaly categories on the obverse: a double-clashed die showing a faint partial incuse double "n" from the word "In" on the reverse visible next to Liberty's neck, and a faint partial incuse double "st" from "Trust" on the reverse showing in the right hair vee of the lower hair edge. The "double" designation for both the "n" and "st" clash impressions means the obverse die experienced at least two separate clash events, each transferring reverse inscription elements onto the obverse die face at slightly different positions, creating paired ghost impressions of these letters. The reverse (C3b) is a doubled reverse die, adding hub doubling to the already complex obverse clash characteristics and creating a multi-layered variety that combines both die clash and hub doubling phenomena. Listed on VAMWorld with documentation from the original discovery, this variety's Hot 50 status ensures active collector pursuit and premium market valuations. George T. Morgan's design was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1888, composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter and a reeded edge. The 1888-P had a mintage of approximately 12.16 million pieces. The combination of doubled reverse and double-clashed obverse on a single coin represents multiple die-manufacturing and production anomalies converging to create an exceptionally complex variety.

External References