1899-P VAM-2A

Description

Discovered in 2013, the 1899-P VAM-2A Morgan dollar is designated Die Scratches Wing, classified as III2-2 C3a. This Philadelphia Mint issue was struck in the standard 90% silver and 10% copper composition, weighing 26.73 grams at 38.1 mm diameter. The obverse features a polished die with a removed double arc above the right 9, positioned at the top outside, which resulted in both 9's being open in appearance rather than showing their typical closed loops. This polishing is evidence of mint personnel attempting to remove an earlier doubling artifact or damage from the die surface. The reverse displays a series of diagonal die scratches at the lower inner feathers of the eagle's left wing, the primary diagnostic for which this variety is named. VAMWorld notes suggest that all 1899-P VAM-2 and VAM-2A specimens may actually be from the same die, with the "A" suffix potentially representing a different die state rather than a distinct die marriage. The Philadelphia Mint produced 330,846 Morgan dollars in 1899, making it one of the lower-mintage Philadelphia dates in the series, which adds numismatic significance to any variety found on this date. George T. Morgan's design, with its detailed eagle reverse featuring individually rendered feathers, provides a canvas where die scratches and other surface anomalies are readily observable and attributable by variety specialists.

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