1890-P VAM-8

Description

Cataloged as VAM-8 in the Van Allen–Madison classification system, this 1890 Philadelphia Mint Morgan Dollar was discovered by Leonard Hinckley in February 1974 and carries the designation III2 8 – C3a (Doubled 1-90). The obverse (III2 8) exhibits the digit 1 doubled below the upper crossbar as a short spike, while the closed 9 shows slight doubling at the bottom inside of both loops, on the left and right outside of the upper loop, and at the top left outside of the lower loop. The 0 is slightly doubled at the bottom inside and as a curved line at the top left outside — a multi-digit doubling pattern produced during the hub-to-die transfer process that affected three of the four date digits with varying directional displacement. The reverse (C3a) is classified as a normal die without significant anomalies. VAMWorld commentary notes this variety appears to share the same die as 1890-P VAM-4/4A, an attribution question that underscores the careful comparative analysis required when multiple VAM numbers reference potentially identical obverse dies at different states of wear. The Morgan Dollar was designed by George T. Morgan and authorized under the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, struck in 90% silver and 10% copper at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter and reeded edge. The Philadelphia Mint produced approximately 16.8 million Morgan Dollars in 1890 during a period of intense political debate over silver coinage policy. Collectors attributing this variety should examine the date digits under 7x–10x magnification, focusing on the characteristic spike below the crossbar of the 1 and the interior loop doubling on the 9 as primary diagnostic features.

External References