1904-O VAM-23A

Description

Discovered by Laurence Galbraith in June 2005, the 1904-O VAM-23A Morgan Dollar carries the designation Far Date, High O, Rust Patch BU, cataloged as 23A III25 - C4f. This variety combines three distinct diagnostic features. The "Far Date" indicates the date numerals are positioned further from the rim than standard die alignment. The "High O" describes a New Orleans mintmark placed above its normal position relative to the eagle and wreath on the reverse. Most distinctively, the "Rust Patch BU" identifies a small raised die rust patch between the B and U in PLURIBUS on the obverse — evidence of corrosion on the die surface that produced a localized area of raised, textured metal on struck coins. Die rust occurs when moisture contacts the steel die, causing oxidation that pits and roughens the surface. The rust patch between BU in PLURIBUS is positioned within the motto inscription area, creating a raised imperfection amid the carefully engraved lettering. The VAM notes suggest contacting LateDateMorganGuy on the message board and posting images if a collector believes they have identified this variety, indicating the community actively seeks additional specimens for population documentation. The Morgan Dollar was designed by George T. Morgan, struck at the New Orleans Mint in 90% silver composition at 26.73 grams and 38.1 mm diameter. The 1904-O was the last New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollar produced before the Mint Act of 1904 ended silver dollar coinage — the New Orleans Mint would not strike Morgan Dollars again until the 1921 resumption, but by then the New Orleans facility had permanently closed in 1909. This terminal-year status for New Orleans production adds historical significance to any 1904-O variety.

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