1887-O VAM-11B

Description

Discovered in 2013 by Russ James, the 1887-O VAM-11B is catalogued under the descriptive title Near Date, Pitted Lip, Thread-Like Die Impression Cotton Leaf, classified as obverse III2-11 paired with reverse C3a. The colloquial nickname for this variety is "Nasal Spray" — a reference to the horizontal band of raised dots produced by rusted die pitting in the field in front of Liberty's upper lip, giving the impression of a fine spray of material from the nose and lip area. The effect results from die rust creating a pocked surface that transferred to the coin as a row of raised dots, a condition more commonly associated with cast or heavily used dies. An additional die marker is a curved thread-like die impression running from the top of the left top cotton leaf on the reverse. The reverse is the standard C3a die with no other anomalies noted. The 1887-O VAM-12A shares the "Nasal Spray" characteristic, making comparison of the two relevant when attributing coins with the pitted lip feature. New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollars of 1887 are collected actively, and nicknamed varieties like "Nasal Spray" have elevated collector recognition that supports premium values at auction.

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