1888-O VAM-16

Description

Discovered by Martin Field in October 1981, this New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollar is designated VAM-16 under Classification III2 10, C3c, documenting a Doubled Second 8 with Far Date and O Set High. On the obverse, the second 8 in the date is slightly doubled at the bottom, and the date is positioned further right than normal. The reverse carries a C3c die with the O mintmark set high. Die pair number 181. Die markers include a nearly vertical gouge in the back of the nostril opening and a patch of fine die lines in the field just to the left of the shaft of the 1 in the date. Struck in 90% silver (0.7734 oz ASW) at the New Orleans Mint, the 1888-O Morgan Dollar was produced during the height of mandated silver dollar coinage. The far date positioning, with digits set further right than the typical die layout, adds a secondary diagnostic beyond the doubled second 8. Field's 1981 discovery was among the earlier VAM attributions for this date, and the nostril gouge provides collectors with an accessible pickup point for rapid identification without specialized magnification equipment.

External References