1900-P VAM-2

Description

Discovered by Neil Shafer in November 1964, the 1900-P VAM-2 is classified as a normal die variety pairing a Type III2 die 1 obverse with a C4a reverse — the "C4" reverse type distinguishing it from the C3 reverses used on earlier die pairings. The presence of two normal die VAMs for a single date (VAM-1 and VAM-2) reflects the use of different reverse die types: each represents a standard, unmodified die but from a distinct hub or die generation. The transition from C3 to C4 reverse types within the Morgan Dollar series documents the evolution of the master hubs used at the Philadelphia Mint, as worn or damaged hubs were periodically replaced with new ones that carried subtle differences in device spacing, letter style, or eagle detail. Neil Shafer's identification of this variety during the formative years of Morgan Dollar variety research helped establish the importance of reverse type classification as a parallel system to the more obvious obverse die varieties. The 1900 Philadelphia Mint Morgan Dollar was produced in moderate quantities during the final years of the original Morgan Dollar run, which would pause after 1904 before the famous 1921 resumption. Collectors assembling comprehensive VAM sets benefit from understanding the reverse type system, as it reveals hub lineage information not apparent from obverse characteristics alone.

External References