1891-P VAM-1D

Description

Discovered in 2013, the 1891-P VAM-1D Clashed Obverse n documents a die clash variety on the Philadelphia Mint Morgan Dollar where a partial incuse impression of the letter "n" from IN on the reverse transferred to the obverse die adjacent to Liberty's neck. Cataloged as 1D III2 1 - C3a (Clashed Obverse n) with a rarity index of 189, this variety demonstrates how direct die-to-die contact during a misfire — when no planchet feeds between the dies — can leave identifiable reverse design elements embedded in the obverse die surface. The transferred "n" appears as a subtle incuse impression near Liberty's neck, requiring careful examination under magnification to distinguish from die scratches or other surface anomalies. The obverse is classified as III2 1, indicating a normal die of the III2 type with the date positioned at the right edge of normal position, while the reverse carries the standard C3a type. The DPIS (Die Progression and Identification System) reference remains unassigned, suggesting this variety has not yet been fully mapped into the stage progression framework. Morgan Dollar die clashes from the Philadelphia Mint in 1891 reflect the high-speed production environment at the nation's primary coinage facility during the final years of the Bland-Allison Act's silver dollar mandate, which was superseded by the Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890. The identification of a single transferred letter — rather than a broader clash impression — indicates that the clash occurred at a specific angle that limited the area of contact between the two dies.

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