1888-O VAM-14

Description

Discovered by Leroy Van Allen in June 1980, VAM-14 on the 1888-O Morgan Dollar is classified as a High Near Date — the date is positioned higher and further to the left than standard placement. The O mintmark is described as Round III, centered, and upright. Van Allen's catalog notes reference VAM-46 as a related variety with an even higher mintmark, providing a cross-reference for collectors working through the 1888-O die variety population. As a discovery by one of the two co-creators of the VAM classification system, this variety carries a distinguished attribution pedigree. The 1888-O was struck at the New Orleans Mint in 90% silver, and New Orleans Morgan Dollars are prized for their often distinctive strike quality and the mintmark variations that result from hand-punching each working die individually. Date position varieties like High Near Date reflect variations in how the date logotype was impressed into the die during manufacture, and the leftward shift combined with the elevated position creates a visually distinct date placement from the standard 1888-O dies.

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