1899-O VAM-19

Description

Discovered by Oscar Simpson in November 1978, the VAM-19 designation for the 1899-O Morgan dollar identifies a slanted date die marriage cataloged as III2 11 - C3b in the Van Allen-Mallis reference system. On the obverse, die state III2 11 shows the date positioned at a noticeable slant, with the second 9 sitting higher than the 1 but set further left than the arrangement seen on VAM III2 4. Both 9 digits display an open loop configuration, providing an immediate visual tell when comparing against other 1899-O date positions. The reverse die, classified as C3b, carries a mint mark tilted slightly to the right and set slightly high relative to the wreath bow. The Die Pair Identification System rates this die marriage as LH3/RE4, placing it in the middle range of die-state progression documentation. Minted at the New Orleans facility during the final full year before the branch mint's temporary closure, the 1899-O Morgan dollar already carries historical significance as a product of the Deep South's only coinage operation. A total mintage of 12.29 million pieces makes the date reasonably accessible in lower grades, though VAM-specific attribution narrows the population considerably. Collectors assembling a comprehensive 1899-O VAM set should note that the slanted date feature is most easily confirmed by comparing the baseline of the 1 against the second 9, where the tilt becomes immediately apparent under a standard desk lamp without magnification.

External References