1885-O VAM-1D

Description

Discovered in 2011 by Brent Fogelberg, the 1885-O VAM-1D "Die Scratches Wings" Morgan dollar documents horizontal die scratches running through the middle of both the inner and outer feathers on the eagle's left wing. Cataloged as III2 1 · C3a (Die Scratches Wings) with a question mark notation suggesting the classification may require additional confirmation, this variety pairs an Obverse III2 1 die with a C3a reverse where the diagnostic scratches provide the primary attribution feature. George T. Morgan's heraldic eagle reverse, with its spread wings, wreath, and perched arrows and olive branch, presents detailed feather barbs that readily reveal die surface anomalies such as scratches cutting across the natural feather texture. Two comments enhance this variety's significance: first, it shares the same dies as VAM-33, meaning both variety designations reference the same physical die pair but are classified differently based on which diagnostic feature receives primary emphasis. Second, specimens are noted as available in PL/DMPL (Prooflike and Deep Mirror Prooflike) finishes — semi-mirrored surface qualities that occurred when early-state dies produced coins with partially reflective fields, a characteristic that commands significant premiums among Morgan dollar collectors. New Orleans struck approximately 9.19 million Morgan dollars in 1885, and the O-mint 1885 is among the more available New Orleans dates, though PL and DMPL examples are considerably scarcer than the typical bagmark-laden survivors. The horizontal orientation of the die scratches through both inner and outer feather layers on the left wing distinguishes this variety from other 1885-O VAM-1 sub-varieties that carry scratches in different locations or orientations. Collectors should examine the eagle's left wing (right side when viewing the coin) under 15x magnification with angled lighting, looking for parallel horizontal lines cutting across the feather barbs in both the inner and outer feather rows.

External References