1897-P VAM-6A

Description

Discovered by Leroy Van Allen in June 1984, this Philadelphia Morgan dollar holds a coveted Top 100 Morgan VAM designation. Cataloged as VAM-6A under classification III2 6 with a C3a reverse, titled Near Date, Pitted Reverse, carrying a rarity rating of 190, it features one of the most dramatically pitted reverses in the pre-1921 Morgan series. The reverse die shows extensive pitting to the left below the eagle's tail feathers and in the lower left wreath, the same pattern seen on VAM-1A, representing an advanced state of die rust that transferred raised dots and rough texture onto struck coins. The DPIS reads B23RE, placing the date in a near position. Despite its Top 100 status, the VAM-6A is considered one of the easier Top 100 Morgans to locate, with supply currently exceeding demand among specialists. Specimens frequently appear in mint state or higher circulated grades, suggesting the dramatic pitted texture may have encouraged preservation. The extent of the reverse pitting was not matched in the Morgan series until the prolific die rust issues of the 1921 production resumption.

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