1889-P VAM-3A

Description

Originally discovered in 2011 and revised in 2014, the 1889-P VAM-3A is a Morgan dollar variety cataloged by VAMWorld and designated Doubled Date and Ear, Far Date, Sunken Obverse Die. Classified as 3A (revised) III2.3 C3a with a population reference of (181), this variety presents multiple numismatic points of interest. Late die states show a distinct doubled ear, and the doubling below the numeral 1 becomes shortened from die polishing, indicating that the Mint attempted to extend the die's service life through surface maintenance that progressively altered the visible doubling characteristics. The "far date" designation indicates the date position sits further from the bust than on standard die alignments, while the "sunken obverse die" notation describes a concavity in the die face that produces a distinctive curvature on struck specimens. The 1889-P Morgan dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 26.73 grams at 38.1 mm diameter. Philadelphia produced 21,726,811 Morgan dollars in 1889. VAMWorld cross-reference notes indicate that late die states of the related 1889-P VAM-39 are very similar to VAM-3A, suggesting these varieties may share obverse die lineage or represent different stages of the same die's progressive deterioration. George T. Morgan's Liberty obverse, with its ear detail serving as one of the primary attribution points, was designed in 1878 using schoolteacher Anna Willess Williams as the model for Liberty's profile.

External References