1882-O VAM-16

Description

Discovered by Leonard Hinckley in February 1974, the 1882-O VAM-16 Morgan Dollar carries the classification III2 8 / C3e (Doubled 8, Closed 2, O Tilted Left) with an unassigned die pairing number. The obverse (III2 8) presents the second 8 doubled on the left side of the upper loop, and the 2 in the date exhibits a "closed" formation — where the lower curve of the 2 approaches or meets the horizontal baseline, creating a loop-like appearance distinct from the "open" 2 variant. The reverse (C3e) features a Type II O mintmark tilted to the left, a positional variation created during the hand-punching process at the Philadelphia Mint where the engraver held the O punch at a slight angle when striking it into the working die. Community commentary from VAMWorld notes that this variety "displays an unfortunate dearth of features" — meaning beyond the doubled 8, closed 2, and tilted mintmark, there are few additional die markers or anomalies to aid attribution. This candid assessment, while humorous, acknowledges that the three primary diagnostics (doubled 8, closed 2, tilted O) must carry the full attribution burden without supplementary confirmation points. George T. Morgan's design was struck at the New Orleans Mint in 1882, composed of 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. Hinckley's early discovery in 1974 places this variety among the first generation of VAM discoveries, predating the widespread adoption of the Van Allen-Madison classification system and contributing to the foundational catalog that grew into the comprehensive reference used today.

External References