1882-O VAM-33

Description

Discovered by Bill Fivaz in October 1981, the 1882-O VAM-33 is classified as a Doubled 882 variety within the Morgan Dollar series (1878-1921). Cataloged under the VAM system as 33 III2 24 - C3a, this New Orleans Mint dollar exhibits distinct hub doubling concentrated on three digits of the date. The first 8 is doubled slightly at the bottom outside of the upper loop, the second 8 shows doubling at the left outside of the upper loop, and the 2 is doubled strongly at the right outside of the upper loop and slightly at the right side of the upper knob. This progressive strengthening of the doubling from the first 8 through to the 2 suggests the hub displacement vector was oriented in a direction that produced increasing offset as the die face position moved rightward through the date. The Morgan Dollar was designed by George T. Morgan, struck in 90% silver with a weight of 26.73 grams and a diameter of 38.1 mm. The New Orleans Mint operated from 1838 to 1909 and produced Morgan Dollars that are widely collected for their Southern provenance and distinctive striking characteristics. For attribution purposes, collectors should examine the date digits under 7x to 10x magnification, focusing first on the strongly doubled 2 as the most prominent diagnostic feature, then confirming the subtler doubling on both 8s to distinguish VAM-33 from other 1882-O date-doubled varieties.

External References