1879-O VAM-2

Description

Discovered by George Mallis in June 1965 — Mallis being the "M" in the VAM attribution system he co-created with Leroy Van Allen — the 1879-O Morgan Dollar VAM-2 is designated "Open 9" for its obverse diagnostic: the loop of the numeral 9 in the date does not fully close, leaving a visible gap at the top of the digit's curve. Classified as 2 III2 2 C3a with die pair number 176, this variety documents a die where the date punch for the 9 either did not strike deeply enough to complete the loop or was cut with a slightly open-ended digit. The "Open 9" versus "Closed 9" distinction is a fundamental diagnostic in Morgan Dollar attribution, as the completeness of the 9's loop varies across working dies and provides one of the most straightforward identification points for cherrypickers. As one of the earliest VAM discoveries by a system co-creator, this variety holds historical significance within the cataloging framework that would eventually document thousands of Morgan and Peace Dollar die marriages. The New Orleans Mint struck 2,887,000 Morgan Dollars in 1879, bearing George T. Morgan's Liberty Head obverse and heraldic eagle reverse in 90% silver at 26.73 grams. Examine the 9 in the date for the gap at the top of the loop — if the curve does not meet itself to form a closed circle, the Open 9 is confirmed.

External References