1882-O VAM-22A

Description

First reported in 2012, the 1882-O VAM-22A Morgan dollar carries the III2 11 obverse paired with a C3j reverse, designated Doubled 882 and Reverse, Die Gouges Wing Tip. This variety shares the exact same die pair as 1882-O VAM-22; what distinguishes VAM-22A is the presence of two die gouge spikes rising above the eagle's right wing tip, caused by feed finger contact during the striking process. A slight beveled field above the letters ME in AMERICA, also from feed finger marks, provides additional reverse confirmation. These feed finger marks can be extremely subtle and difficult to detect, particularly on circulated specimens where contact wear may obscure the shallow raised spikes. The obverse displays the doubled 882 characteristic of the III2 classification, with hub doubling visible across the date digits. Collectors attributing New Orleans Morgan dollars should carefully distinguish between VAM-22 and VAM-22A by examining the denticle area near the eagle's right wing tip under magnification, as the gouge spikes are the sole differentiator between these two die states of an otherwise identical marriage.

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