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…until now. On November 1st, I purchased my third specimen of the 1889-P VAM-23B Die Sequence #2. Once the coin arrived, I confirmed that it was the EDS of Die Sequence #2 based on the degree of die roughness around E PL M, left stars and the right stars. Next, I turned the coin over to examine the Reverse (DMPL). I then tilted the Eagle’s head down and in very good lighting noticed a very faint clash in the right wreath. Next, I placed the coin under my scope and confirmed the very light clash in the right wreath. Once this was done, I examined the rest of the Obverse/Reverse for any new signs of clashing, and none were present. My next step was to pull my other two 1889-P VAM-23B Die Sequence #2 specimen’s out and reexamine them. The first one of the two has a PL Reverse and upon close examination of the right wreath, no clashing was present. The last specimen is an AU-50 and it is a later Die Stage of Die Sequence #2 and there is no sign of clashing in the right wreath, My next step was to pull my 1889-P VAM-23B Die Sequence #1 (No die roughness or clashing) and reexamine it. As stated, in some of my other posts, the 1889-P VAM-23B Die Sequence #1 is very rare and after 1 year and ½ I have only found one specimen. Time will tell for sure how rare it is. After reexamining my XF-45 specimen no die clashing was present in the right wreath. This did not really surprise me because it is a circulated coin, and any faint clashing would have long ago worn off. The next obvious step was to examine an 1889-P VAM-23A, so I pulled my MS-62 specimen out and reexamined it. My MS-62 specimen is toned on the Obverse/Reverse and while I think I see a trace of clashing in the right wreath, it is to inconclusive to be 100% sure (because of the toning).
In conclusion, the Reverse VAM description for the 1889-P VAM-23B, should now be updated to include a clashed Die Sequence that quickly wore away. We now have proof of this. I have updated the VAM page for 23B and shown below are the photos (thank you Andy for your excellent photography work) of the new 1889-P VAM-23B clashed Die Sequence #2 with die roughness. Note: the numerous polishing lines in the upper tail feathers, lower tail feathers, arrows, and bow.
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1889-P VAM-23B |
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