1896-P VAM-3

Description

Identified by Bill Fivaz in March 1973, this Philadelphia Mint 1896 Morgan Dollar carries the VAM-3 designation under die classification III2 3 with reverse die C3a, described as Doubled 89, and bearing a die pairing number of 190. The obverse shows the digits 8 and 9 doubled with a large shift to the right within the lower loops of each numeral. Specifically, the 8 displays a vertical shaft at the top left inside of its lower loop, while the 9 exhibits a smaller patch of extra metal to the right of the ball at the base of the digit. This doubling pattern concentrates on the lower portions of the two central date digits, leaving the flanking 1 and 6 largely unaffected. Collectors have noted that this variety can be found with prooflike surfaces, where reflective fields enhance the visibility of the doubled date digits by providing contrast against the mirrored background. As one of the earlier VAM discoveries attributed by Fivaz, VAM-3 holds historical significance within the classification system and remains a sought-after variety for collectors assembling comprehensive Philadelphia Mint 1896 Morgan Dollar sets. =1896-P VAM-3 Doubled 89= Discovered by Bill Fivaz, March 1973.

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