1881-O VAM-4A

Description

Discovered in 2017 by Robert C. Whitehead, the 1881-O VAM-4A Morgan Dollar carries the classification III2 3 - C3a (Doubled 8-1, Clashed Obverse n) with die pairing number 176. The obverse (III2 3) is a clashed die displaying a partial incuse lowercase n — transferred from the word "In" on the reverse — visible next to Liberty's head neck, a diagnostic clash mark that confirms this die struck the reverse die without a planchet between them at some point during its service. The die marker consists of a single diagonal polishing line at the bottom of Y in LIBERTY, a subtle but specific attribution feature. The variety uses the exact same pair of dies as the 1881-O VAM-4 but in a clashed state, establishing VAM-4A as a later die state of the VAM-4 die marriage — the "A" suffix denoting a secondary die state of the parent VAM number. This variety was formerly designated as 1881-O VAM-55A before being delisted and consolidated under the VAM-4A designation, reflecting the ongoing refinement of the VAM cataloging system as duplicate or related listings are identified and merged. The Morgan Dollar was designed by George T. Morgan and struck at the New Orleans Mint in 1881 in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. The relationship between VAM-4 and VAM-4A illustrates how die marriages evolve through multiple states during their operational life: the same obverse and reverse dies that produced clash-free VAM-4 specimens subsequently experienced a clash event that added the transferred n impression, transforming later strikes into the distinct VAM-4A variety while maintaining the same physical die pairing.

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