1898-O VAM-15

Description

Discovered by Martin Field in March 1979, VAM-15 on the 1898-O Morgan Dollar is classified as III2 10-C3b with descriptors "Doubled 1-8, O Set high" and die pair number 181. The obverse die state III2 10 features the 1 in the date doubled on its surface at the very top, and the second 8 doubled at the top and right inside of the upper loop and top inside of the lower loop. Additionally, the top of the 18 in the date appears shallow, indicating possible die polishing or wear in the upper portion of these digits. The reverse die state C3b identifies a medium-sized O mintmark set high and upright. The doubled 1 and 8 create a partial date doubling pattern — with the 1 affected only at its very top and the second 8 showing doubling concentrated in specific loop areas rather than uniformly around the digit — indicating a hub displacement that produced varying degrees of visibility across the date depending on each digit's orientation relative to the displacement vector. Martin Field's March 1979 discovery predates the widespread use of high-resolution photography for variety documentation, placing this among the foundational VAM discoveries for the 1898-O date. The 1898-O Morgan Dollar was struck at the New Orleans Mint in 90% silver composition (26.73 grams, 38.1 mm diameter). The shallow 18 combined with the doubled digits creates a distinctive appearance under magnification where parts of the date appear worn or polished despite being a die characteristic rather than circulation wear. The high-set O mintmark on the reverse provides an additional attribution confirmation point.

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