1900-P VAM-20
Error
Description
Discovered by Leroy Van Allen himself in September 1981, the 1900 Philadelphia Morgan dollar VAM-20 carries special significance as an attribution by the co-creator of the Van Allen-Mallis cataloging system. Classified as 20 III2 15 - C3a (190), this variety features a near date with the first 0 doubled inside its lower opening, appearing as a curved bar within the numeral. The date is set further left than the normal position. Van Allen's systematic approach to documenting die marriages — developed with A. George Mallis — transformed Morgan and Peace dollar collecting into one of numismatics' most detail-oriented specialties. Philadelphia produced 8,830,000 Morgan dollars in 1900, a healthy output that ensures the base date is accessible, while the specific VAM-20 die pairing with its doubled first 0 and leftward date shift adds meaningful variety-collecting interest. The curved bar inside the lower opening of the first 0 is the primary diagnostic under magnification.
External References
Community & Reference
Related Errors
More VAM Variety Errors
Collector Essentials
Tools for examining and preserving error coins and die varieties.
10x-20x Jeweler's Loupe
Essential for examining die varieties, doubled dies, and RPMs
Cherry Picker's Guide
The definitive reference for U.S. error coins and die varieties
2x2 Coin Flips & Holders
Protect and organize your finds with archival-quality holders
USB Digital Microscope
Capture detailed images for documentation and community submissions
As an Amazon Associate, NumisDex earns from qualifying purchases.