1904-O VAM-19

Description

Discovered by Martin Field in August 1980 during the early decades of VAM research, this 1904-O Morgan Dollar combines a doubled 9 in the date with a high O mintmark. Cataloged as III2 10 - C4f with designation (189), the obverse shows the 9 doubled to the lower left outside of both upper and lower loops — a clear displacement visible under magnification. The high O mintmark sits above its normal position, a variation from the punch being applied higher in the field between the eagle's tail feathers and wreath bow. Reverse die markers include polishing lines in the eagles and wreath, evidence of die maintenance. This reverse die was shared with VAM-39 Die #2 and VAM-39A, establishing a lineage where the same reverse was paired with multiple obverses. The 1904-O holds special significance as the final year of regular Morgan Dollar production — the series would not be struck again until 1921, making this the last New Orleans Mint Morgan from the original program. Early discoveries like Field's 1980 identification helped build the foundation of the VAM cataloging system for Morgan and Peace Dollars.

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