1903-O VAM-3

Description

Discovered by Leonard Hinckley in February 1974, the 1903-O VAM-3 "O Set Right, Tilted Left" Morgan dollar documents two distinct mintmark positioning anomalies on a single reverse die. Cataloged as 3 III2 2 · C4c (O Set Right, Tilted Left), this variety pairs an obverse featuring a closed 9 in the date with a reverse where the O mintmark sits displaced to the right of its intended position and tilts to the left of vertical. New Orleans struck approximately 4.45 million Morgan dollars in 1903, producing what would become one of the last issues from that mint before its closure in 1909. The closed 9 on the obverse die (III2 2 classification) refers to the style of the numeral 9 in the date, where the loop closes completely rather than leaving a gap — a useful diagnostic for distinguishing this obverse die from others used in 1903-O production. On the reverse, the C4c designation identifies the mintmark position and orientation: the O mintmark was applied by hand to each working reverse die using a separate punch, and the die sinker's placement resulted in both a rightward lateral displacement and a leftward axial tilt from true vertical. These mintmark position variations are among the most widely collected Morgan dollar varieties because they are often visible to the unaided eye, making them accessible entry points for new variety collectors. Leonard Hinckley was among the early contributors to what would become the comprehensive VAM reference system, and discoveries from this period form the foundational backbone of the Morgan dollar variety catalog. Examination of the reverse under moderate magnification should confirm both the rightward position and leftward tilt of the O mintmark relative to the wreath stem.

External References