1889-P VAM-19A

Description

The 1889-P VAM-19A Morgan Dollar is a late die state sub-variety within the VAM series, designated under the VAM classification system for the Morgan Dollar series (1878-1921). VAM sub-varieties denoted with letter suffixes (such as 19A) typically represent distinct die states or additional die characteristics discovered after the initial VAM-19 was cataloged, distinguishing progressively later stages of die deterioration or newly identified features. The 1889 Philadelphia Mint Morgan Dollar was struck during the Gilded Age — a period of heated political debate over silver coinage policy, with the silver lobby pushing for continued dollar production under the Bland-Allison Act of 1878. George T. Morgan designed the dollar, featuring a profile of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap surrounded by a wreath of cotton and wheat on the obverse, with a heraldic eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows on the reverse. The coin was struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter and reeded edge. The 1889-P is among the higher-mintage dates in the Morgan series, with the Philadelphia Mint producing over 21 million pieces that year. Despite this large production run, individual VAM varieties represent specific die pairs, and the 19A sub-variety's late die state characteristics mean surviving examples in higher grades may be scarce as late die state coins tend to show reduced detail from die wear. Collectors attributing this variety should compare their specimen against published die markers for both VAM-19 and its 19A sub-stage to determine the precise point in the die's service life when their coin was struck.

External References