1886-O VAM-11

Description

Discovered by Jim Baxter in January 1979, the 1886-O VAM-11 Morgan Dollar carries the revised classification III2 7 - C3e (Near Date, O Set High) with die pairing number 181. The obverse (III2 7) presents a date set further left than its normal position and slightly high — the "Near Date" component indicating the date digits sit closer to Liberty's bust than the standard placement. The reverse (C3e) features a high O mintmark with no lines visible in the wreath bow, along with a die scratch in the eagle's left wing. The absence of lines in the wreath bow is a negative diagnostic — a feature defined by what is not present — that helps distinguish this reverse die from others in the 1886-O population where wreath bow lines may be visible. The VAMWorld commentary adds a significant production anomaly: this variety occurs with rotated dies of 33-60 degrees counterclockwise. Die rotation of this magnitude indicates the dies were not properly locked in their normal orientation during production, creating coins where the obverse and reverse designs are substantially misaligned when the coin is rotated on its vertical axis. George T. Morgan designed this coin, struck at the New Orleans Mint in 1886 in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. The 1886-O had a relatively low mintage of approximately 10.7 million pieces. The combination of abnormal date position, high mintmark, and substantial die rotation (33-60 degrees CCW) creates a variety with multiple unusual characteristics, each documenting different aspects of die preparation and press setup at the New Orleans Mint during this production run.

External References