1891-P VAM-1B

Description

Cataloged by VAMWorld, the 1891-P VAM-1B is classified as die pair III2 1 / C3a with the descriptive title "Denticle Impressions Below Tail Feathers." The defining reverse characteristic consists of a horizontal row of four raised triangles positioned below the left tail feathers, with the same spacing as the obverse denticle points — clear evidence that the obverse die's denticle pattern was transferred to the reverse die during a clash event. Additionally, three raised dots appear between the wreath bow and the left leaf cluster, along with three faint raised dots below the tail feathers, further documenting the transferred design elements from the clash. This type of denticle impression transfer is particularly diagnostic because the precise triangular geometry and uniform spacing of denticles creates an unmistakable pattern that cannot be confused with random die damage or polishing artifacts. The reverse classification is C3a with 190 reeds on the edge. The Morgan dollar was designed by George T. Morgan and struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. The 1891-P had a business strike mintage of approximately 8.69 million pieces, produced in the final years before the repeal of compulsory silver purchases. The denticle impression transfer variety represents a specialized category of clash evidence that appeals to collectors interested in manufacturing process anomalies, as it precisely documents the relative die positions during the clash event through the geometric regularity of the transferred denticle pattern.

External References