1888-P VAM-1

Description

Designated as the baseline "Normal Die" entry for the 1888 Philadelphia Mint Morgan Dollar, VAM-1 carries the full classification III2 1 - C3a with page references to Leroy Van Allen's comprehensive catalog at pages 188 and 190. The obverse III2 1 represents the standard Obverse III type 2 hub with die 1, while Reverse C3a identifies the normal die of the C3 type — establishing the reference point against which all other 1888-P die varieties are compared. Even this normal die entry includes a diagnostic notation: some specimens show a die chip between the loops of the first 8 on the right side, a progressive die deterioration marker that can help confirm the specific die pair. George T. Morgan's silver dollar design, featuring Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton on the obverse and a heraldic eagle clutching arrows and olive branch on the reverse, was in its eleventh year of production in 1888. The Philadelphia Mint struck approximately 12.2 million 1888 Morgan Dollars in 90% silver composition, a moderate mintage within the series' production range. VAM-1 normal die entries serve a critical cataloging function: they anchor the die variety system by defining what constitutes the standard appearance for each date and mint, allowing researchers to identify deviations that merit separate variety designations. The DPIS (Die Pair Identification System) and Emission Sequence sections appear in the catalog structure but await additional documentation for this die pair, indicating ongoing research into the production chronology of 1888-P Morgan Dollar dies.

External References