1888-O VAM-5

Description

Discovered by George Mallis in July 1964 and recognized as a Top 100 Morgan Dollar VAM, the 1888-O VAM-5 is designated III2 4 - C3b, identifying it as having an Oval O mintmark with a Doubled 1 in the date. On the obverse (die state III2 4), the digit 1 is doubled below the upper crossbar, and faint doubling appears on Liberty's nose and upper lip — subtle portrait doubling that distinguishes this die pairing from simpler date-only varieties. The reverse (die state C3b) features an oval-shaped O mintmark set high, the same reverse die used for the 1888-O VAM-2. The Oval O mintmark, where the O punch produced a noticeably elongated rather than round impression, is a key diagnostic shared across several 1888-O die marriages. Struck at the New Orleans Mint, this Morgan Dollar weighs 26.73 grams, measures 38.1 mm in diameter, and is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper with a reeded edge. George T. Morgan's obverse portrait of Liberty, adapted from Philadelphia schoolteacher Anna Willess Williams, paired with the heraldic eagle reverse, has been in production across multiple eras. The Top 100 designation, curated by VAM experts to highlight the most significant and collectible varieties, places the 1888-O VAM-5 among the elite tier of Morgan Dollar die varieties actively pursued by specialists.

External References