1882-O VAM-21A

Description

Discovered in 2015 and cataloged by VAMWorld, VAM-21A on the 1882-O Morgan Dollar is classified as III2 14-C3a with descriptors "Doubled 882, Clashed Obverse n & ust" and assigned die pair number 176. The obverse die state III2 14 features a clashed die with a partial incuse lowercase "n" from the reverse inscription "In" visible next to Liberty's neck, along with a partial incuse "ust" from the reverse "Trust" showing in the right hair vee of the lower hair edge. The doubled 882 in the date adds a hub doubling component to the die clash characteristics, creating a dual-attribute variety. Die clashing occurs when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without an intervening planchet, transferring design elements from one die to the other in incuse (recessed) form. The presence of both the "n" and "ust" clash transfers indicates a fairly strong clash event, as these letters from the reverse inscriptions "In God We Trust" had enough force to impress clearly into the obverse die surface. The 1882-O Morgan Dollar was struck at the New Orleans Mint in 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. George T. Morgan's iconic Liberty Head obverse and heraldic eagle reverse define the Morgan Dollar series (1878-1921). The New Orleans Mint operated from 1838 to 1909 and produced coins with a distinctive Southern provenance that adds historical dimension to its issues. The C3a reverse die classification indicates a centered and upright O mintmark in the standard position.

External References