1885-O VAM-35

Description

Discovered in 2020 by Jack Alexander, the 1885-O VAM-35 is cataloged as III2 24 - C3j with the title Dash Under 8, O/O Left Slanted, Thread Impression Upper Lip. The obverse die III2 24 presents two unusual features: faint two-segment traces of a dash under the right 8, and a curved thread-like die impression on Liberty's upper lip with ends curving downward into the mouth. The lip impression is a rare die artifact type, reflecting foreign material or tooling that contacted the die surface in the portrait area during preparation. The reverse die C3j shows the O mintmark doubled at the left inside, slightly shallow and slanted, with the lower end curved to the right along the bottom of the opening. The slanted left doubling combined with the dash below the 8 provides attributors with multiple reference points. The 1885-O VAM-35 is a recent catalog addition reflecting ongoing expansion of Morgan Dollar die studies. The New Orleans Mint produced Morgan Dollars throughout much of the series run, and the 1885-O conceals numerous die varieties not yet fully documented across its substantial mintage.

External References