1882-O VAM-38

Description

Discovered by Jeff Oxman in February 2000, VAM-38 identifies doubled digits on the 82 of the date on the 1882-O Morgan Dollar obverse. Classified as III24 - C3a, this variety is further distinguished in later die states by a heavy diagonal die crack through the N in ONE on the reverse — a progressive failure that provides die state stratification for attributors. The 1882-O Morgan Dollar was struck at the New Orleans Mint, a facility whose Morgan Dollar output is known for generally weaker strikes compared to Philadelphia and Carson City, though this has no bearing on the die variety itself. The doubled 82 results from hub doubling during die manufacture, where the date digits received a secondary impression at slight displacement. Jeff Oxman's discovery of this variety contributes to his extensive body of Morgan Dollar VAM research. Specimens showing the heavy diagonal die crack through N represent later die states and document the die's progressive deterioration.

External References