1879-O VAM-27

Description

Jeff Oxman identified this variety in February 1985, designated VAM-27 for the 1879 New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollar with the plate number 27 III2 19 - C3a (Doubled 18) (176). The obverse die, classified III2 19, exhibits doubling on the first two date digits: the 1 shows doubling at the top left and right of the bottom crossbar, while the first 8 is doubled at the top outside of the upper loop. These doubled digits from secondary hub impression provide the primary attribution points, with the displacement on the 1 being distinctive because it affects both sides of the crossbar. On the reverse, die C3a carries an oval medium mint mark centered and upright, with no significant anomalies — a normal die state placing full emphasis on the obverse doubling. Morgan Dollar date doubling results from misalignment between hub and die during secondary hubbing, where even slight positional shift transfers a second, offset impression. Attributing VAM-27 requires careful examination of the 1 and first 8 under magnification to confirm the documented doubling directions. =1879-O VAM-27 Doubled 18= Discovered by Jeff Oxman, February 1985.

External References