1891-O VAM-23

Description

Discovered by C. Logan McKechnie in December 2012, the 1891-O VAM-23 Morgan Dollar is classified as III215 · C3e (Doubled 8, Far Slanted Date, O Set High) with die pairing number 181. The obverse (III215) displays the 8 in 1891 doubled at the bottom inside of both loops — a subtle but diagnostically important feature produced during the hubbing process. The date is set further right than its normal position and exhibits a slight slant, with the left 1 positioned closer to the denticles than the right 1, creating the "Far Slanted Date" designation that helps distinguish this die from others in the 1891-O family. The reverse (C3e) features a type III O mintmark set upright and placed higher than the standard position within the wreath — the "O Set High" component of the variety's full designation. Mintmark position variations on New Orleans Morgan Dollars are among the most actively studied features in VAM collecting because the O mintmark was hand-punched into each working die individually, creating subtle but measurable differences in placement, tilt, and depth across the die population. The Morgan Dollar was struck at the New Orleans Mint in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter and a reeded edge. George T. Morgan's design features Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap on the obverse and a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse. The 1891-O had a mintage of approximately 7.95 million pieces, and the combination of doubled date digit, abnormal date positioning, and high-set mintmark provides three independent verification points for confident attribution of this variety.

External References