1901-O VAM-29

Description

Attributed by Martin Field in August 1982, the 1901-O VAM-29 is classified as Far Date, High O on this New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollar. The die pair is designated 29 III2 5 - C3c, plate (181). On the obverse (III2 5), the date is set further right than normal, earning the "Far Date" classification — the digits sit measurably further from the rim on the left side compared to standard 1901-O die preparations. The reverse (C3c) shows the mint mark set high and tilted right, a placement resulting from the angle at which the engraver held the O punch when applying it to the working die. The combination of a far date and a high, tilted mint mark provides two independent diagnostics that make this variety straightforward to attribute under moderate magnification. Field's prolific work cataloging date position and mint mark varieties during the 1980s expanded the VAM system considerably, and his contributions remain foundational to Morgan Dollar die research. The 1901-O issue, with a mintage of over 13.3 million, produced numerous documented die pairs. Silver composition, New Orleans Mint. =1901-O VAM-29 Far Date, High O= Discovered by Martin Field, August 1982.

External References