1902-O VAM-1

Description

Discovered by George Mallis in June 1965, the 1902-O VAM-1 holds the classification 1 III2 1 C4a, designated Closed 9. As one of the earliest documented VAM attributions for the 1902-O date, this variety reflects the pioneering cataloging work of Mallis, whose research alongside Adna Van Allen established the VAM classification system that has since grown to encompass thousands of Morgan and Peace dollar die marriages. The obverse die, cataloged as Class III2 1, presents a normal die distinguished by a closed loop on the numeral 9 in the date, where the interior space is filled or nearly filled rather than open. Some specimens further show the base of the numeral 2 filled in, providing an additional diagnostic that develops as the die wears. The reverse, classified as C4a, carries a mint mark that is centered and upright. New Orleans Mint Morgan dollars from 1902 were produced in substantial numbers, and the VAM-1 designation indicates this is the primary or baseline die marriage for the date, making it a foundational reference point against which other 1902-O varieties are compared.

External References