1886-O VAM-3

Description

Designated VAM-3 in the Van Allen-Mallis catalog, this 1886-O Morgan Dollar is the "Open 6" variety — the numeral 6 in the date has a wider opening in its loop compared to the standard closed-6 dies. Guy Messing discovered this die variety in June 1975. Within the VAMWorld classification framework, VAM-3 carries a rarity rating of III2, placing it in the "scarce" tier — available but requiring dedicated searching, with significantly fewer examples known than common die pairings. The obverse die is described as a normal die whose sole distinguishing characteristic is the open 6 in the date, with no other die cracks, clashes, or polishing features. George T. Morgan's obverse positions the date beneath Liberty's portrait, where the open versus closed configuration of the 6 is readily visible under moderate magnification. The 1886-O was struck at the New Orleans Mint in 90% silver at 26.73 grams on 38.1mm planchets. VAM collecting represents one of the most active and systematically documented branches of U.S. numismatics. Examination should focus on the loop of the 6 in the date to confirm the wider opening characteristic of this variety.

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