1890-O VAM-1I

Description

Discovered by Brian Raines on August 13, 2015, the 1890-O VAM-1I is catalogued as 1I III1 C3a for Denticle Impressions Below Left Olive Branch. The reverse is defined by two small raised features below the olive branch: a triangular raised dot and a second raised dot in the space below the olive, separated by 0.030 inches. These are interpreted as denticle impressions transferred to the reverse die during a die clash event in which rim denticle shapes were pressed into the die surface. An additional raised parallel line runs approximately 0.025 inches below the outer rim edge, parallel to both dots, substantiating the diagnosis. A die chip at the lower left of the upper tail feathers provides a reliable secondary marker. The DPIS notation carries no listed values. Reverse die C3a is otherwise a standard New Orleans die for this date. The 1890-O Morgan Dollar is a well-documented VAM date; Raines' discovery of this subtle variety more than a century after striking illustrates the continuing vitality of the VAM research community.

External References