1891-O VAM-21

Description

Discovered in 2009 and classified as III2 13 - C3e, the 1891-O VAM-21 carries the designation "Doubled Ear, Near Date, O Set High" — combining three obverse and reverse diagnostics into a single variety. The obverse (III2 13) shows Liberty's ear slightly doubled at the right inside, while later die states develop rim cuds at the I-US position plus additional cuds at the third right star and second left star. Commentary notes that not all examples show the doubled ear and not all examples have the rim cuds, indicating this variety progresses through distinct die states where later features emerge as die deterioration advances. The progressive cud development across multiple die states — from clean early impressions to multi-location rim breaks — documents the working die's gradual structural failure under the stress of production striking. The Morgan Dollar was designed by George T. Morgan, struck at the New Orleans Mint in 90% silver at 26.73 grams and 38.1 mm diameter. The 1891-O had a mintage of approximately 7.69 million coins. New Orleans Morgan Dollars are collected for their Southern provenance and the characteristic strike quality associated with the facility, which operated from 1838 to 1909. The high-set O mintmark on the reverse provides a positional diagnostic independent of the obverse features, while the near date placement brings the digits closer to the rim denticles than the standard position. Collectors should be aware that the doubled ear is a transitory feature visible primarily in mid-die states, and the rim cuds appear only in late to very late die state specimens.

External References