1897-P VAM-3

Description

Discovered by Leroy Van Allen in February 1967 — during the foundational era of VAM variety cataloging — the 1897-P VAM-3 Morgan Dollar carries the classification 3 III2 3 – C3a (Doubled 1) with die pairing number 190. The obverse (III2 3) exhibits the 1 in 1897 doubled below the upper crossbar, a localized hub doubling affecting only the date's leading digit. Some specimens may show die polish lines in the lower hair, indicating die maintenance that affected certain die states but not others. The reverse (C3a) is a normal die with no significant anomalies. The DPIS reading of LH3/RE4 provides die position reference coordinates. Catalog commentary identifies the PUP (Pick-Up Point) for the VAM-3 and 3A series as a small chip on the nose, described as outlined in red on the second LFCP (Last Faithful Copy Photo) — the PUP being the single most efficient diagnostic feature for quickly screening potential specimens before detailed examination. Two sets of VAM-3 images are documented on loan to VAMWorld courtesy of and attributed by Andrew Wojtowich, reflecting the collaborative community effort in documenting and photographing VAM varieties. George T. Morgan's design was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1897 in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter during the Gilded Age. Van Allen's 1967 discovery of this variety predates the formal publication of the first comprehensive VAM catalog, making it part of the earliest wave of systematically documented Morgan Dollar die varieties. The relationship between VAM-3 and VAM-3A — sharing the same PUP chip on the nose — indicates they represent different die states of the same obverse die, with the nose chip serving as the common identifier across the state progression.

External References