1890-P VAM-1G

Description

Cataloged as VAM-1G for the 1890-P Morgan Dollar, this variety was discovered in December 2010 and classified III2 with reverse C3a under the designation "Denticle Impressions Middle TF." The reverse displays a single horizontal row of five faint raised triangles positioned below the middle tail feathers — impressions transferred from the denticle (tooth-like border elements) area of the die, likely during an anomalous contact event in the die shop. A die marker on the reverse — a horizontal polishing line at the top of the wreath bow — aids in confirming the specific die. Denticle impressions are an uncommon variety type resulting from die-to-die contact at an unusual angle, where the rim denticles of one die press into the field area of another. Philadelphia struck 16.8 million Morgan Dollars in 1890, and the VAM-1G designation under the "1" prefix indicates a sub-variety derived from a normal-die obverse paired with a distinctive reverse. The rarity designation of 190 places this within the standard reporting population.

External References