1883-O VAM-22

Description

Discovered by Martin Field in October 1978, the 1883-O VAM-22 displays doubled 1 characteristics in the date — the digit 1 shows doubling at the top left and on the top right of the stem, along with additional doubling at the bottom of the lower crossbar. A secondary diagnostic feature places the second digit 8 noticeably higher than normal within the date, providing an additional identification point beyond the doubled 1. The obverse is classified as Type III2 die 3, while the reverse uses the standard C3a configuration on this New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollar. The 1883-O is one of the more available Morgan Dollar dates, as the New Orleans Mint produced over 8.7 million examples, and many survived in uncirculated condition through Treasury bag releases in the mid-twentieth century. The doubled date digits on VAM-22 represent a hub doubling phenomenon where slight misalignment during the die-making process created secondary impressions on specific numerals. Martin Field's discovery of this variety in 1978 came during a period of intensive Morgan Dollar variety research, as the publication of the Van Allen-Mallis reference had catalyzed systematic examination of die characteristics across the entire series. The high-set 8 provides collectors with a quick preliminary identification marker before confirming the doubled 1 under magnification.

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