1890-O VAM-1D

Description

Discovered by John Baumgart in January 2006, the 1890-O VAM-1D is identified by a reverse die gouge and edge anomaly on the New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollar designed by George T. Morgan. Cataloged as III21 - C3a with die-pair designation 181 and titled "Pierced Eagle's Right Leg," the defining feature is a horizontal die gouge passing through the upper part of the eagle's right leg on the reverse. Die gouges of this nature result from accidental contact with a sharp tool during die preparation or maintenance, leaving a raised line on struck coins that serves as an unmistakable attribution marker. Adding further interest, the edge exhibits doubled reeding for approximately ten segments at the 7 o'clock position — evidence the coin shifted within the collar during striking or that the collar was slightly misaligned. The combination of a pierced-leg reverse gouge and localized reeding doubling makes VAM-1D a two-feature variety appealing to collectors who prize coins displaying multiple die characteristics. New Orleans Morgan Dollars from 1890 are well-represented in surviving populations, though identifying VAM-1D requires examination of both the reverse and edge.

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