The 1888 “Hot Lips” Morgan Dollar is one of the most celebrated varieties in the entire series, instantly recognizable for its dramatic doubled profile. On Liberty’s face, the lips, nose, and chin are boldly doubled, creating the impression of a second mouth—hence the nickname “Hot Lips.” This striking feature was the result of a hubbing error at the Philadelphia Mint, and it has fascinated collectors for generations.

This specimen, certified MS64 DMPL by PCGS, is unique in the census as the only certified Deep Mirror Prooflike example of the variety. Its mirrored fields are unusually reflective for the issue, providing a dramatic backdrop to the bold doubling on Liberty’s profile. The coin’s surfaces are bright and lustrous, with only light contact marks consistent with the grade. The doubling on Liberty’s lips and profile is bold and unmistakable, standing out even to the unaided eye. The reverse is equally well‑struck, with sharp feather detail on the eagle and strong definition in the wreath.

The “Hot Lips” variety (VAM‑4) is one of the most popular Morgan Dollar die varieties, and it has long been listed in the “Top 100” VAM set. Its popularity stems not only from the boldness of the doubling but also from its accessibility—while scarce in higher Mint State grades, it is available enough to attract both advanced specialists and general collectors. This MS64 DMPL example, pedigreed to the Leroy Van Allen Collection, carries special significance as it once belonged to the very man who co‑authored the definitive reference on Morgan and Peace Dollar varieties.

Auction appearances for premium “Hot Lips” examples are always closely watched. In recent years, MS64 and MS65 coins have realized strong prices, often in the mid‑five‑figure range, reflecting the enduring demand for this variety. The present coin, while acquired privately, belongs in that same echelon of elite survivors. Its combination of technical quality, bold variety features, DMPL status, and distinguished provenance makes it a trophy among Morgan Dollar specialists.

The historical resonance of the “Hot Lips” lies in its vivid reminder of the Mint’s 19th‑century production challenges. In an era before modern quality control, hubbing errors and doubled dies occasionally slipped through, but few were as dramatic or as visually compelling as this one. The 1888 “Hot Lips” stands as a testament to both the artistry and the imperfections of the Morgan series, a coin that captures the imagination as much as it rewards technical study.

Now part of the C. Ash Harrison Collection, this 1888 “Hot Lips” Morgan Dollar is preserved as both a numismatic curiosity and a collector’s prize. It bridges the world of die‑variety specialists with the broader appeal of the Morgan Dollar series, ensuring its place as one of the most storied and recognizable varieties in American numismatics. For collectors and historians alike, it is not merely a coin, but a conversation piece—an artifact where error became legend.