1880-O VAM-13

Description

Discovered by Tom Delorey in April 1974 and revised in 2010, the 1880-O VAM-13 Morgan Dollar carries the revised classification III2 10 - C3a (Doubled 80, Tripled 0) with die pairing number 176. The obverse (III2 10) displays the second 8 doubled on the lower left outside of the upper loop, while the 0 is doubled strongly at the top left outside and tripled at the top right outside and on the lower left inside, with doubling extending almost entirely up the left side of the digit. The tripling on the 0 — three distinct impressions creating a layered effect — indicates this die received at least three hub impressions, with measurable misalignment between each successive contact. A single vertical polishing line in front of Liberty's eye serves as the primary die marker for this obverse die. The reverse (C3a) is classified as a normal die. George T. Morgan's design was struck at the New Orleans Mint in 1880 in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. The 1880-O had a mintage of approximately 5.3 million pieces. Tom Delorey, the original discoverer, was a recognized numismatic researcher and authenticator whose contributions to die variety documentation span decades — his April 1974 identification of this variety places it among the earlier documented 1880-O die marriages, with the 2010 revision updating the classification to reflect improved understanding of the doubling characteristics. The strong doubling and tripling on the 0 make this one of the more visually dramatic date anomalies in the 1880-O series, as three overlapping digit impressions create a broad, shelf-like appearance that can be appreciated under relatively low magnification.

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