1894-O VAM-3
Error
Description
One of the earliest documented Morgan Dollar varieties, the 1894-O VAM-3 was discovered by George Mallis in June 1965 — Mallis being the co-creator (with Leroy Van Allen) of the VAM classification system that would transform Morgan and Peace Dollar variety collecting. The defining feature is the O mint mark on reverse die C3c, which sits tilted slightly to the left rather than in a perfectly upright orientation. Paired with obverse die III2 1 under catalog number 181, this mint mark tilt resulted from the die sinker at the Philadelphia Mint angling the O punch during application to the working die destined for New Orleans. Tilted mint marks are among the most common types of mint mark varieties on Morgan Dollars, as every mint mark was individually hand-punched into each working die, and even slight variations in the punch angle created identifiable differences. The 1894-O is a moderately scarce date in the Morgan Dollar series, and VAM-3's discovery by George Mallis himself gives it special historical significance within the VAM collecting community.
External References
Community & Reference
Related Errors
More VAM Variety Errors
Collector Essentials
Tools for examining and preserving error coins and die varieties.
10x-20x Jeweler's Loupe
Essential for examining die varieties, doubled dies, and RPMs
Cherry Picker's Guide
The definitive reference for U.S. error coins and die varieties
2x2 Coin Flips & Holders
Protect and organize your finds with archival-quality holders
USB Digital Microscope
Capture detailed images for documentation and community submissions
As an Amazon Associate, NumisDex earns from qualifying purchases.