1883-O VAM-1A

Description

Struck at the New Orleans Mint, the 1883-O VAM-1A documents a die flake in the lower loop of the first 8 in the date and additional flaking under the loop on the lower right outside of the same digit — small surface separations where hardened die steel delaminated, creating raised irregularities on struck coins. Die flakes differ from die chips in their layered, peeling character: where chips leave clean cavities, flakes produce thin raised shelves of displaced metal with distinct edges. The first 8 in 1883 was susceptible because the deep curves of the numeral created stress concentrations during striking. New Orleans Morgan Dollars from the early 1880s were struck in enormous quantities, and high production volume pushed dies to their limits, encouraging metallurgical failures like flaking. George T. Morgan's Liberty Head obverse and heraldic eagle reverse were in the design's sixth year, struck in 90% silver at 38.1mm and 26.73 grams. Examine the lower loop of the first 8 for the raised die flake, and check the lower right exterior of the same digit for secondary flaking that confirms this VAM attribution.

External References