1886-O VAM-1

Description

Designated as the baseline die pairing for the 1886-O Morgan Dollar, VAM-1 documents the Normal Die configuration against which all other 1886-O die marriages are compared. The obverse is classified as type III2, die number 1, featuring a closed loop on the numeral 6 in the date — where the tail of the 6 curls back to meet the body, forming a complete enclosed space rather than leaving a gap. The reverse carries die designation C3a, indicating a medium-sized O mintmark positioned centered and upright below the eagle's tail feathers. This mintmark placement and size serve as a primary attribution point for distinguishing VAM-1 from other 1886-O varieties that may carry tilted, shifted, or differently sized mintmarks. The 1886-O is a key date in the Morgan Dollar series, struck at the New Orleans Mint with a mintage of 10,710,000. New Orleans Morgan Dollars are identified by the O mintmark and are among the most eagerly collected mint issues in the series, with certain dates commanding substantial premiums in higher grades. Designed by George T. Morgan, struck in 90% silver at 26.73 grams and 38.1mm diameter. As the Normal Die VAM, this variety establishes the reference standard — any deviation in mintmark position, obverse die characteristics, or date numeral configuration relative to VAM-1 defines a separate variety.

External References