The Reverse VAM description for the 1889-P VAM-23A list, “No die clash marks on reverse die very unusual, especially for such strong die clash marks on obverse.” and for the 1889-P VAM-23B, “Die not changed since no die clash marks appeared, except for very faint vertical line at n of In. Die fields relatively smooth with little wear. Die re-used with VAM 7 III2 7 obverse.”. This Reverse VAM description for both VAMs were the result of nobody submitting a VAM-23A or VAM-23B (to LVA) that displayed any Reverse clashing. This is the way things stood; 25 years for VAM-23A and 22 years for VAM-23B. For all these years it was just taken for granted that the Reverse for the 1889-P VAM-23A and VAM-23B were not clashed (except the clash to the N of “IN”). Well, that’s just not factual. Never was. The 1889-P VAM-23A and VAM-23B Reverse VAM descriptions are no longer accurate and are now out of date. In the first 1889-P VAM-23A and VAM23B update post, I was able to prove that the 1889-P VAM-23B (new Die Sequence #2) was indeed clashed and provided photographic proof of the newly discovered right wreath clash (see photo below). However, I was not able to prove the right wreath clash was on Die Sequence #1 (PMD and wear) and on my 1889-P VAM-23A (toning and PMD). Now fast forward 6 weeks and my second 1889-P VAM-23B Die Sequence #2 arrived in the mail. Upon examination of my new Die Sequence #2 it suddenly hits me…staring right at me are two more unreported clashes on the Reverse. The two brand new unreported Reverse clashes are, 1. Clash to G in “GOD”. 2. Partial left wreath clash. My next step was to look at my first Die Sequence #2 specimen again and see if they are there. Sure, enough they are. I just missed them the first time. Next, I examined my 1889-P VAM-23B Die Sequence #1 and both new unreported clashes are there (see photo). The next coin I examined was my 1889-P VAM-23A and both the Clash G and partial left wreath clash are there (see photo). The right wreath clash is probably there (I can see a small part), but the toning and a PMD make it conclusive. The total number of coins used in collecting this data are as follow:
My collection
2 - 1889-P VAM-23B Die Sequence #2.
1 – 1889-P VAM-23B Die Sequence #1.
2 - 1889-P VAM-23B Die Sequence #5.
1 - 1889-P VAM-23A.
andywoj00
2- 1889-P VAM-23B Die Sequence #2.
SilverToken
1- 1889-P VAM-23B Die Sequence #2 (EDS).
2. 1889-P VAM-23B Die Sequence #5.
Now, let’s move back down to the 1889-P VAM-23B and this is where it gets really interesting…again. The next thing I did was to examine my 1889-P VAM-23B Die Sequence #4 (Single clash Obverse) and guess what is on the Reverse? The Reverse has the left, right wreath clashes and the clashed G (same as Die Sequence #1 & 2 and the 1889-P VAM-23A). Not what one would expect to see. Now let’s look at the 1889-P VAM-23B Die Sequence #5 (Double clash). The Reverse has only the faint clash to N of “IN”. No left or right wreath clash or clash G is present; it is very possible the Reverse die was repolished. Note: this could change as I have not had the time to look at all my specimens.
Finally, after the Holidays, I will be updating the 1889-P VAM-23B VAM page with detailed photos of each new Reverse clash and the 1889-P VAM-23A VAM page with additional photos.
| 1889-P VAM-23A and VAM-23B (Click image to view at higher resolution Then click on a region of interest.) | |
| 1889-P VAM-23B Die Sequence #2 clashed left wreath. | 1889-P VAM-23A clashed left wreath. |
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 1889-P VAM-23A |
| 1889-P VAM-23A clashed Left wreath. | 1889-P VAM-23A Obverse. |
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 1889-P VAM-23A |
| 1889-P VAM-23B Die Sequence #2 clashed right wreath. | 1889-P VAM-23B Die Sequence #2 Clash N and G. |
 1889-P VAM-23B |
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| 1889-P VAM-23B Die Sequence #2 Clash N and G. | 1889-P VAM-23B Die Sequence #1 Clash N and G. |
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