1890-O VAM-2C1

Description

Reverse die gouges often emerge from the rigors of die maintenance, and VAM-2C1 of the 1890-O Morgan Dollar preserves such evidence with a shallow broad die gouge at the right end of the olive branch. The C1 suffix designates this as the first sub-variety of VAM-2C, a classification refinement reflecting the VAM system's commitment to documenting even minor die state progressions. Discovered in February 2013, this relatively recent addition demonstrates that new varieties continue to surface decades after the foundational VAM research was published. The reverse also features a high O mintmark, positioned above its typical location, adding a second attribution point beyond the die gouge. New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollars of 1890 were struck in substantial quantities, and the volume of production meant numerous die pairs were employed, each accumulating its own history of wear and damage. Cataloged as plate 2C1 III21 C3b (181), this variety rewards collectors who examine the olive branch area carefully. Struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, the 1890-O in this die state combines mintmark positioning with die damage documentation.

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