1889-O VAM-13G

Description

Identified by Brian Raines in October 2009, VAM-13G for the 1889-O Morgan Dollar is classified III2 8 C3a, designated "Far Date, 1+1 Clashed Reverse," with reference number 181. This 90% silver New Orleans Mint issue carries evidence of multiple die clashes on the reverse — a fascinating production anomaly where the dies struck each other without a planchet between them on more than one occasion. The reverse, classified C3a, exhibits offset single sideways vee clash marks next to the top and middle of the right wreath, transferred from the back of the Phrygian cap ribbon on the obverse. Rotation between die clashes is evident: one clash shows a line below the N of IN while the second appears below the G in GOD, confirming the dies were oriented differently during the two clash events. The "1+1" designation reflects these two separate clash impressions. The 1889-O Morgan Dollar had a mintage of approximately 11.9 million at New Orleans. George T. Morgan's silver dollar design, struck at 26.73 grams, made the sheltered spaces between wreath elements particularly susceptible to retaining clash marks from the opposing die's portrait features. =1889-O VAM-13G Far Date, 1+1 Clashed Reverse= Discovered by Brian Raines, October, 2009.

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