1890-O VAM-16

Description

Originally documented by Martin Field in 1979 and revised in 2012, this 1890 New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollar VAM-16 is classified as III2 1 - C3m with a rarity of 181 and carries a notable scholarly caveat: evidence of this VAM's actual existence is described as very minimal at best. The variety is defined by an O mintmark set high and shifted right on the reverse, a diagnostic requiring careful comparison against normally positioned mintmarks. High and right-shifted mintmarks on New Orleans Morgans are not uncommon, since mintmarks were hand-punched into each working die and positioning varied between die preparation sessions. What makes VAM-16 contentious is whether the observed displacement is sufficiently distinct from normal variation to warrant its own catalog entry. The scholarly skepticism surrounding this variety reflects the rigorous standards that VAM researchers apply — not every reported variety survives sustained scrutiny, and the acknowledgment of questionable evidence demonstrates intellectual honesty within the attribution community. Collectors should approach this variety with awareness that its status remains uncertain. =1890-O VAM-16 High O Shifted Right= Discovered by Martin Field, October 1979.

External References