1896-P VAM-23

Description

Discovered by Bill Van Note in June 2004, the 1896-P VAM-23 Morgan dollar is classified as Near Slanted Date, Doubled Arrows. The defining reverse feature (C3b) is hub doubling on the lower three arrow feathers at the bottom, with additional doubling on the middle and lower arrowheads at both the bottom and top inside the wreath bow. The date sits near the denticles with a slight slant, as the full classification name indicates. The discovery coin shows clash marks without transfer impressions — an early die state feature — while later strikes came without clash marks, a die state variation confirmed by major auction archive examples. This range illustrates that a single VAM attribution can span coins from early die states with clear clashing through late die states where those features were polished away. The 1896-P Morgan dollar, struck in 90% silver at Philadelphia, is among the more available P-mint issues and provides a cost-effective platform for collectors pursuing die variety attributions. The doubled arrow feathers are detectable at moderate magnification and reward patient examination of the wreath bow area.

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