1900-O VAM-21G

Description

Discovered in 2015 by Lance Newman of the Online Coin Club (OCC), this New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollar variety is designated VAM-21G III2 5 - C3l (Near Date, High O, Die Scratches O Mint Mark). The reverse displays shallow diagonal fine die polishing or scratch lines running from the wreath ribbons through the O mint mark, a distinctive diagnostic that distinguishes this die state from other VAM-21 sub-varieties. The "Near Date" obverse designation indicates the date numerals are positioned closer together or closer to the rim than on standard 1900-O dies, while "High O" describes the mint mark placement above its typical position on the reverse. The die scratches through the O mint mark likely resulted from die maintenance or polishing performed at the New Orleans facility during the production run, as Mint workers periodically polished dies to extend their service life or remove minor defects. The 1900-O Morgan Dollar had a mintage of 12,590,000, one of the higher New Orleans outputs, providing ample opportunity for multiple die pairs and sub-varieties to emerge. The classification code "(181)" indicates the die sequence assignment in the comprehensive VAM reference. The New Orleans Mint, which operated from 1838 to 1909, produced Morgan Dollars with the distinctive "O" mint mark that has become synonymous with Southern branch mint coinage.

External References