1901-O VAM-6A

Description

First documented in 2006, the 1901-O VAM-6A is a later die state variety of the New Orleans Mint Morgan dollar distinguished by its high O mintmark set to the right and progressive die breaks. The classification is 6A III21 · C4d (High O Set Right, Die Breaks IT & TAT) (181). The reverse carries the C4d designation, showing die cracks running above both UNITED and STATES with wide displaced breaks between the I and T of UNITED and extending to the left and right of the A in STATES. These extensive reverse die cracks represent a die in advanced deterioration, where fractures have widened under repeated striking pressure into visible displaced breaks that leave raised ridges of metal on struck coins. The high O mintmark positioned to the right of its normal location provides the primary obverse diagnostic, while the dramatic die breaks across the reverse legend offer unmistakable confirmation. New Orleans Mint Morgan dollars with documented die failure progression are valued by VAM specialists who study how individual die pairs deteriorated through their working lives.

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