1882-O VAM-34

Description

Discovered by Martin Field in July 1982, the 1882-O VAM-34 Morgan Dollar carries the classification III2 25 · C3a (Doubled Date) with die pairing number 181. The obverse (III2 25) presents a doubled date where each numeral shows displacement at specific locations: the 1 is doubled slightly below the upper crossbar and at the top of the lower crossbar, the first 8 is doubled slightly at the lower left outside of the upper loop, the second 8 is doubled at the top and left outside of the upper loop, and the 2 is doubled at the top and left right outside of the upper loop and on the right side of the lower serif. This digit-by-digit doubling documentation — with each numeral showing displacement at different locations and intensities — reveals the precise geometry of the hub-to-die transfer error, as the varying degrees and positions of doubling across the four date digits map the displacement vector's effect relative to each numeral's orientation and position on the die face. The reverse (C3a) is classified as a normal die with no significant anomalies. George T. Morgan's design was struck at the New Orleans Mint in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. The 1882-O had a substantial mintage of approximately 6.09 million pieces, providing a substantial population base from which variety collectors can search for this die marriage. The doubled date varieties on Morgan Dollars are among the most accessible entry points for new VAM collectors because date numerals are large, prominently positioned, and require only moderate magnification to examine. Martin Field's 1982 discovery predates the widespread adoption of digital photography, meaning early documentation of this variety relied on hand-drawn diagrams and verbal descriptions — tools that nevertheless precisely captured the doubling characteristics later confirmed through modern imaging.

External References