1896-P VAM-2

Description

One of the earliest Morgan Dollar varieties ever documented, the 1896-P VAM-2 was discovered by George Mallis in July 1964 — a decade before he and Leroy Van Allen published the classification system that now bears their names. Classified as 2 III2 2 C3a, this variety is nicknamed "Very Near Date, Doubled 6" for its two primary obverse diagnostics: the date is positioned significantly further left than normal (further left than either VAM-6 or VAM-8 of the same year), and the digit 6 shows clear doubling at its top. Date placement is one of the most fundamental VAM diagnostics, as date digits were individually punched into each working die during this era, meaning no two dies placed the date in precisely the same location. A "very near date" indicates the date sits closer to the rim and further left than typical, creating distinctive spacing that collectors can identify with careful measurement. The 1896 Morgan Dollar was struck at Philadelphia in the standard 90% silver composition, and VAM-2's early discovery date makes it one of the foundational varieties in Morgan Dollar die study. Attributed under its VAM catalog designation.

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