1903-O VAM-2

Description

Discovered by George Mallis in June 1965, the 1903-O VAM-2 displays an O mint mark that is centered but tilted slightly to the left on the reverse, using a Type III O punch set slightly high. The reverse is classified as C4b — the C4 reverse type representing a later die generation than the C3 type, and the "b" suffix specifically identifying this as the tilted mint mark configuration. The obverse uses a standard Type III2 die 1. The leftward tilt indicates the mint mark punch was rotated slightly counterclockwise from vertical when it was pressed into the working die steel, a common variation in the hand-punching process where each impression was individually applied. George Mallis's identification of this variety in 1965 represents the foundational research period that would culminate in the publication of the Van Allen-Mallis reference with Leroy Van Allen. The 1903-O Morgan Dollar holds particular significance as the final year of New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollar production in the original series — the New Orleans Mint would not produce Morgan Dollars in 1904 (only Philadelphia and San Francisco struck them that year), and when the series was briefly revived in 1921, only Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco participated. This makes the 1903-O the last New Orleans Morgan Dollar, giving any die variety from the date added historical weight.

External References