1879-O VAM-27A

Description

Discovered by John Coxe in May 2006, VAM-27A for the 1879-O Morgan Dollar is classified III2 19 with reverse C3a, titled "Doubled 18, Clashed Obverse n." The defining obverse feature is a clashed die with a faint partial incuse "n" transferred from the reverse's "In" (of IN GOD WE TRUST) showing next to Liberty's neck — evidence that the dies struck each other without an intervening planchet, impressing reverse lettering into the obverse die surface. The reverse shows an oval medium mintmark that is centered and upright, paired with a normal die. Commentary confirms that VAM-27A represents a later die state of the parent 1879-O VAM-27, meaning the same obverse die that produced VAM-27 continued in service and at some point clashed, adding the incuse "n" transfer to an already-documented doubled 18 variety. New Orleans struck 2.89 million Morgan Dollars in 1879, and the relatively low mintage combined with the historical interest in early Morgan Dollar production at the New Orleans facility makes 1879-O varieties particularly sought after. The rarity designation of 176 reflects moderate to low availability.

External References