1881-O VAM-18A

Description

The 1881-O Morgan Dollar VAM-18A holds a unique status in the Van Allen-Mallis reference as an eliminated variety. Discovered in 2012 by Brain Raines (as credited in the original VAMWorld record) and eliminated in February 2014, this designation was removed from the active catalogue because examination of additional specimens revealed that all VAM-18 examples share denticle impressions — making the distinguishing feature common to the full VAM-18 die population rather than unique to a sub-variety. Morgan Dollars were struck in 90% silver from 1878 through 1904 and 1921, designed by George T. Morgan. The reverse die (C3a) had shown a long thin die gouge from the D through the top of the O across to the L in DOLLAR, accompanied by a row of six denticle impressions spaced at denticle intervals above the gouge — the gouge originating from die rim edge contact, with the denticle impressions interpreted as having worn quickly from the working die. This elimination note is preserved here to prevent misattribution. Collectors holding coins previously slabbed as 1881-O VAM-18A should understand this designation no longer stands as a separate variety in the current VAMWorld reference.

External References