1901-O VAM-23B

Description

A later die state discovered by Ronald Gapa in January 2017, the 1901-O VAM-23B documents progressive die deterioration on a New Orleans Mint Morgan dollar. The classification is 23B III21 · C4/C3i (2 Olive Reverse, Clashed Obverse n & st, Die Break NITE) (181). On the obverse, this clashed die shows an incuse "n" at the head-neck junction and clashed "st" visible at the right Hair Vee, evidence that the obverse and reverse dies struck each other without a planchet between them. The reverse carries the C4/C3i designation, with a die crack developing at UNITED that progresses into a displaced field break at NITE, representing the advanced die state that distinguishes the 23B sub-variety from its parent VAM-23. Die cracks that produce displaced field breaks indicate a die nearing the end of its useful life, where the metal of the die itself has begun to shift along the fracture line. This combination of clash marks and progressive die failure makes the VAM-23B a compelling study in die deterioration.

External References