1883-CC VAM-6

Description

Martin Field's October 1978 discovery, VAM-6 on the 1883-CC Morgan Dollar, carries the designation III2 6 with reverse die C3a, the title "Doubled 18, Dash 8," and the catalogue identification number 178 — plus the coveted "TOP" designation indicating it appears on the VAMWorld Top-100 list of the most significant and collectible Morgan Dollar varieties. The TOP-100 status elevates this variety's visibility and market value substantially, as the Top-100 list serves as the primary variety collecting roadmap for Morgan Dollar specialists and drives premium pricing for attributed specimens. On the obverse III2 6, the 1 is doubled on the surface to the right, and the first 8 is doubled on the surface at the left inside of its loops — both digits showing evidence of a secondary hub or date punch impression that left traces beside the final struck positions of these numerals. Additionally, a short dash appears under the second 8 — a small horizontal incision in the die that could represent a fragment of a misplaced date digit impression, an incomplete date punch test, or an intentional engraver's reference mark. The reverse C3a is described as a normal die with a large centered V CC mintmark — the distinctive double-C Carson City mintmark that is among the most prized mintmarks in all of U.S. numismatics due to the Carson City Mint's short operational period (1870-1893) and the romantic association with Comstock Lode silver. A die-sharing note establishes that VAM-5, VAM-6, and VAM-7 all originate from the same obverse dies, confirming this obverse was paired with at least three different reverses during its service at the Carson City facility. Struck in 90% silver at 26.73 grams, the 1883-CC Morgan Dollar is one of the cornerstone dates for CC collectors.

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