1884-O VAM-15

Description

Attributed by Arnie Ziem in December 1973, VAM-15 stands as one of the earlier-documented New Orleans Morgan Dollar varieties, carrying die classification III2 16 C3k. The signature obverse feature is a doubled ear, with extra metal visible at the right inside and right outside of the ear cartilage — a subtle but confirmable pickup point under 5x magnification. The date is set much further right than normal for the issue, and the 1 shows slight doubling at its top. Adding further interest, the O mintmark is repunched, with a thin vertical curved line visible at the right inside of the mintmark — a classic O/O repunching that VAM reference literature classifies separately from the hub doubling. The date placement alone can serve as a quick preliminary screener before examining the ear and mintmark. Morgan Dollars of 1884-O were struck at the New Orleans Mint in 90% silver with a generous mintage, so the underlying coin is not scarce, but a fully attributed VAM-15 with clear ear doubling and the O/O mintmark in problem-free condition carries a meaningful premium among specialists. 1884-O VAM-15 Doubled Ear, O/O Far Right, Very Far Date Discovered by Arnie Ziem, December 1973.

External References