1886-O VAM-8

Description

Cataloged as 8 III2 2 - C3e with plate photo 181, this 1886-O Morgan Dollar carries the designation "High 6, O Set High" and was discovered by Leonard Hinckley in February 1974. Hinckley was among the pioneering early variety researchers whose systematic examination of Morgan Dollar dies helped expand the VAM catalog during its formative years. The obverse diagnostic shows the digit 6 set higher than its normal position in the date — a positional anomaly created during the date punching process when individual digits were impressed into working dies by hand. The reverse carries a medium O mintmark set higher than the standard position, classified as C3e to distinguish this specific mintmark placement from other New Orleans die varieties. The combination of a positional date anomaly on the obverse with a positional mintmark anomaly on the reverse creates a die marriage with dual attribution points, one on each side. Obverse die class III2 2 indicates a modified die in subclass 2. George T. Morgan's Liberty Head design, struck at the New Orleans Mint on 90% silver planchets at 26.73 grams, provides the foundation for these positioning diagnostics. The 1886-O is recognized as a key date in the Morgan Dollar series, making documented VAM varieties from this issue of enhanced interest to specialists.

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