1886-O VAM-1E1

Description

Originally cataloged as VAM-1E upon its discovery in 2010, this variety was reclassified to VAM-1E1 in 2013 to accommodate additional sub-varieties within the VAM-1E family. Plate designation: 1E1 III2 1 - C3a, plate (181). The defining feature is a curved thread-like die impression at the back of Liberty's neck — a fine, raised line tracing a curving path across the die surface, likely caused by a stray metallic thread or foreign material embedded in the die face during production. Thread-like impressions are among the more unusual Morgan Dollar die anomalies, producing a distinctly linear raised feature that differs from common gouges, cracks, and polish lines. New Orleans Mint 1886-O production. The C3a reverse pairing indicates a standard reverse die was used alongside the affected obverse. The reclassification from 1E to 1E1 illustrates how the VAM catalog evolves as new discoveries refine die relationships and require finer subdivisions within existing variety families.

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