1904-O VAM-7

Description

Discovered by Leonard Hinckley in February 1974 during the early years of Morgan Dollar variety research, the 1904-O VAM-7 is classified as III2 1 C4c (O Set Right). The reverse (C4c) features the O mintmark set high and slightly to the right of the standard position — a hand-punched placement variation unique to this specific reverse working die, where the Mint engraver positioned the O mintmark punch above and rightward of the typical location within the wreath opening on the reverse. VAMWorld commentary notes two important caveats: first, this VAM is considered a "generic" listing, meaning it was originally defined by a broad characteristic (mintmark position) without specific die markers to differentiate it from other dies that may share a similar mintmark placement, and it may have been duplicated or eliminated by another listing with specific die markers that superseded it. Second, the note advises collectors who believe they have this variety to post images on the message board and contact LateDateMorganGuy for confirmation. These notes reflect the evolving nature of the VAM classification system, where early generic listings based solely on mintmark position may later be refined, split, or consolidated as additional specimens reveal die-specific markers. The Morgan Dollar was designed by George T. Morgan and struck at the New Orleans Mint in 1904, the final year of regular Morgan Dollar production at that facility before the series was suspended (it would briefly resume in 1921). Composed of 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter, the 1904-O had a mintage of approximately 3.7 million pieces — one of the lower New Orleans mintages in the series. The 1904-O is the final New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollar date and holds special significance for collectors completing date-mint sets.

External References