1901-O VAM-22A

Description

Mike Andrew's March 2003 discovery of this 1901 New Orleans Morgan Dollar VAM-22A identified a variety defined by a high O mintmark and heavy die gouges concentrated below the digits 190 and extending through the fifth and sixth right stars and the word GOD. These gouges — deep incised marks in the die face — transfer as raised irregular lines on struck coins, creating a constellation of elevated marks across the lower obverse field. The variety carries a slanted date, and catalog notes indicate it should properly be listed as a III2 6 obverse classification, suggesting further review is needed to reconcile the current catalog placement. The New Orleans Mint produced Morgan Dollars through 1904 before the facility's final closure in 1909, and the 1901-O remains a significant date in the series. The heavy die gouges below 190 and across the stars represent substantial contact damage, likely sustained during die handling or installation. Andrew's notation about the obverse classification reflects the ongoing refinement process within the VAM catalog, where new evidence can prompt reclassification of established entries. =1901-O VAM-22A High O, Die Gouge Below 190 & 5-6 Right Stars and God= Discovered by Mike Andrew, March 2003.

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