1896-P VAM-28

Description

The 1896-P VAM-28 Morgan Dollar, classified III2 26 - C3a for Slanted Date, features a distinctively low slanted date with the 1 positioned close to the rim and the 6 at the highest point of the date arc, creating a pronounced tilt from left to right. The date is set at the right edge of the normal lateral position, further distinguishing this die from standard date placements. Several die lines running from the forehead into the hair provide additional attribution markers. The Die Position Index Score (DPIS) of RH3/LH5 indicates this die's position relative to standard hub alignment, with the right half scored at 3 and left half at 5 on the diagnostic scale. The middle of the right wing is worn on this die, and the VAM-28 typically comes lightly clashed on both obverse and reverse, though without letter transfer — meaning the clash force was sufficient to produce broad design impressions but not sharp enough to imprint individual reverse letters onto the obverse. The 1896 Philadelphia Morgan Dollar was struck from a mintage of 9,976,000 coins in 90% silver and 10% copper at 26.73 grams, 38.1 mm diameter, and reeded edge. Minted during the Gilded Age, this date sits in the final decade of original Morgan Dollar production before the series' temporary cessation in 1904. Slanted date varieties are among the more visually dramatic Morgan Dollar die characteristics, as the tilted numerals are often discernible without magnification.

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