1895-O VAM-3

Description

Bearing the distinction of discovery by Leroy Van Allen himself — co-creator of the VAM cataloging system — this 1895-O Morgan Dollar was first documented in December 1965, during the foundational era of systematic Morgan Dollar die variety research. Cataloged as VAM-3 with die pair classification III2 2 - C3a, the variety exhibits a date positioned further right than normal on the obverse, with the numeral 5 showing doubling at its top. The far date placement indicates the date logotype was punched into the working die at a rightward offset from the standard position, and the doubled 5 reveals that at least one digit received a secondary impression. The 1895-O is a semi-key date in the Morgan Dollar series, with a modest original mintage from the New Orleans Mint that makes all varieties from this date noteworthy. Van Allen's personal involvement in the discovery underscores VAM-3's historical significance within the cataloging system he helped build — this variety was among the early entries that established the framework still used by Morgan Dollar researchers today. =1895-O VAM-3 Far Date, Doubled 5= Discovered by Leroy Van Allen, December 1965.

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