1886-O VAM-23A

Description

Discovered in October 2010 by Brian Raines, this 1886-O Morgan dollar is designated VAM-23A with classification III2 1 and a C3e reverse, formally titled High O, Rim Cud Third Left Star. The obverse displays a die break on the rim that extends into the denticles and slightly out into the field at the third left star, representing a retained cud-type break where die metal has begun to collapse along the rim. The date is set a little high at the left edge of the normal lateral position. The variety's relationship to other 1886-O listings is noteworthy: VAMWorld commentary describes it as an unlisted high O mintmark variant of 1886-O VAM-8, which also features a high 6, but the 6 on VAM-23A specimens is not positioned high, establishing it as a separate die. The small rim cud break at the third left star that extends into the denticles and out into the field is the primary diagnostic feature. New Orleans Morgan dollars from 1886 are among the scarcer dates in the series, and VAM varieties with rim cuds add die-failure interest to an already collectible issue.

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