1882-O VAM-23

Description

Discovered by Oscar Simpson in March 1977, this New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollar is designated VAM-23 under Classification III2 15, C3k, documenting a Doubled 18 with the O mintmark Set and Tilted Left. On the obverse, the 1 in the date is doubled below the upper crossbar at the right of the vertical shaft, and the first 8 is doubled at the top right inside of the upper loop. The reverse carries a C3k die with the O mintmark set left and tilted left from the vertical axis. Die pair number 181. VAM-23 and VAM-23A represent the exact same die pair in unclashed and clashed states respectively, documenting the progression of this die marriage through production. Struck in 90% silver (0.7734 oz ASW) at the New Orleans Mint, the 1882-O Morgan Dollar was produced during a period of heavy silver dollar coinage mandated by federal legislation. The New Orleans facility, which operated from 1838 to 1909, produced Morgan Dollars prized by collectors for their distinctive striking characteristics. Simpson's 1977 discovery established this doubled date variety as a cornerstone attribution for 1882-O VAM collectors.

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