1890-O VAM-17

Description

Cataloged as 17 III2 8 - C3b with plate photo 181, this 1890-O Morgan Dollar carries the designation "Very Far Date, High O" and was discovered by Martin Field in October 1980. The variety features dual positional anomalies: an obverse date set much further right than normal — the "Very Far" qualifier distinguishing it from merely "Far" date varieties — and a reverse O mintmark set higher than the standard position. The "Very Far Date" designation indicates an extreme lateral displacement of the date digits, placing them measurably beyond the rightward range seen on typical 1890-O obverse dies. This displacement occurred during die preparation when the date was punched into the working die at an atypical position relative to the rim and portrait elements. The reverse mintmark position, classified as C3b, shows the O set high — a separate positional anomaly created during mintmark application at the New Orleans Mint, where mintmarks were individually punched into working dies by hand. The combination of positional anomalies on both obverse and reverse makes this die marriage identifiable from either side, providing dual attribution landmarks. Obverse die class III2 8 designates a modified die in subclass 8. George T. Morgan's Liberty Head design, struck at the New Orleans Mint on 90% silver planchets at 26.73 grams.

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