1884-O VAM-21A

Description

Discovered by Gabor Ferencz in March 2001, this 1884 New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollar is classified under die pair (181) and features an O/O curved repunched mint mark — where the O mint mark was punched and then repunched in a curved or tilted orientation, leaving traces of the first impression visible alongside the final position. The obverse shows pitting across the surface, a condition caused by die rust or deterioration that creates raised bumps on struck coins. The reverse exhibits overlapping reeding, an unusual feature where reeding impressions from the collar appear to overlap, suggesting either collar movement or multiple striking impressions. Cataloged by VAMWorld, the A suffix on VAM-21A indicates this is a later die state or subvariety of the primary VAM-21. The O/O curved RPM is the primary diagnostic, as repunched mint marks on New Orleans Morgan Dollars are actively collected as a distinct subclass within the VAM system. The combination of a curved RPM, pitted obverse, and overlapping reeding on the same die pair documents multiple manufacturing anomalies from a single die marriage at the New Orleans Mint.

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