1898-P VAM-10

Description

Originally discovered by Leroy Van Allen himself in September 1983, the 1898-P VAM-10 was classified under III2 10 with a C3a die pairing as "Near Date, Doubled Second 8" (die marriage 189). On the obverse, the date is set further left than the normal position, and the second 8 displays doubling at the top inside and lower right inside of both loops, a feature best observed under 10x magnification with strong directional lighting. The near-date positioning combined with the doubled second 8 made this a distinctive pickup point for cherrypickers for over four decades. However, in May 2025, the VAM-10 designation was officially eliminated from the active VAM listing, having been superseded by VAM-12, which shares the same obverse die characteristics but was determined to be the more comprehensive attribution. The Philadelphia Mint struck approximately 5.884 million Morgan dollars in 1898, a relatively modest production figure that enhances the collectibility of documented die varieties from this date. Collectors who previously attributed coins to VAM-10 should re-examine their specimens for reassignment to the VAM-12 designation. Historical VAM references and older holders may still carry the VAM-10 label, and awareness of this reclassification is essential for accurate cataloging.

External References