1890-O VAM-14A

Description

1890-O VAM-14A — Far Date, High O, Many Die Chips Reverse. Discovered October 2010 by Brian Raines. Obverse III2 5: same obverse as 1890-O VAM-14 with minor damage at the base; far date position. Die markers: die polishing lines from the mouth to the ear area. Reverse C3b: high O mintmark. Many die chips at the base of the reverse. Same reverse as VAM-14 in a later die state, with extensive die chipping. Rarity R-5 or less, under 100 known examples. Die chips at the reverse base represent material spalling from the die face, and the extensive chipping on VAM-14A indicates the reverse die had advanced well into a deteriorated state by the time these coins were struck. The "Far Date" obverse position and the "High O" mintmark placement are the two principal die-geometry diagnostics, while the many die chips provide a dramatic visual indicator that distinguishes the 14A state from the earlier 14. Morgan Dollars were struck in 90% silver, 10% copper. New Orleans produced approximately 10.7 million Morgan Dollars in 1890.

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