1897-O VAM-9

Description

Discovered in August 2009 by Jason Henrichsen, the 1897-O VAM-9 Morgan Dollar is classified 9 III2-1 with a C3e reverse. The obverse shows a normal date position, but later die state specimens reveal extensive die cracks across the left portion of obverse and reverse lettering — evidence of progressive die fatigue. The reverse is distinguished by a high O mint mark tilted to the right. Attribution relies on a precise set of reverse die markers: two short diagonal scratches between the bases of the 4th and 5th outer feathers, four short diagonal scratches between the 6th and 7th outer feathers, and two short diagonal scratches between the 8th and 9th outer feathers of the eagle's left wing. These scratches, likely from die finishing, form a distinctive pattern confirming the specific reverse die. The 1897-O had a mintage of 4,004,000 business strikes from the New Orleans Mint, a moderate output in the Morgan series. ''Die Marker:'' Two short diagonal die scratches between the base of the 4th and 5th outer feathers, four short diagonal die scratches between the base of the 6th and 7th outer feathers, and two short diagonal die scratches between the base of the 8th and 9th outer feathers of the eagle's left wing.

External References