1889-O VAM-9A

Description

Discovered by Mark Kimpton in May 2004, the 1889-O VAM-9A Morgan Dollar is classified as 9A III2 1 C3f and features two defining characteristics: the O mintmark set high and a clashed obverse showing a faint partial incuse "G" from "God" on the reverse, appearing next to Liberty's neck. With a rarity rating of 181, this New Orleans Mint variety falls in the moderately scarce category. The high mintmark position distinguishes the reverse die C3f within the broader 1889-O die marriage network. A notable die marker on the discovery piece consists of a nearly vertical line at the back of the lower lip extending down to the upper chin, providing an additional attribution point beyond the two primary features. The clash mark transferring the "G" occurred when the obverse and reverse dies struck each other without an intervening planchet, impressing the reverse letter into the obverse die surface. Collectors examining 1889-O Morgan Dollars should check both the mintmark height and the neck area adjacent to Liberty's portrait to identify this Kimpton discovery.

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