1886-O VAM-13

Description

Cataloged as 13 III2 9 - C3a with plate photo 181, this 1886-O Morgan Dollar carries the designation "Doubled 1" and was discovered by Leroy Van Allen in December 1981 — a discovery of particular historical significance, as Van Allen is the co-creator of the entire VAM classification system alongside A. George Mallis. Their 1971 reference "The Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan and Peace Dollars" established the systematic framework that has cataloged thousands of die varieties across both series. The primary diagnostic shows the digit 1 in the date doubled slightly below the upper crossbar, a subtle positional anomaly resulting from minor hub displacement during die preparation. Obverse die class III2 9 indicates a modified die, while reverse C3a completes the die marriage. A catalog note observes that this variety may be the same as VAM-6, suggesting the two entries could represent the same die pair documented from different specimens or die states — resolution of such potential duplications is an ongoing process in VAM scholarship. Struck at the New Orleans Mint on 90% silver planchets, the 1886-O Morgan Dollar is among the scarcer dates from that facility, adding numismatic significance to any documented variety from the issue.

External References