1886-O VAM-10

Description

Discovered by Jim Baxter in November 1978, the 1886-O VAM-10 Morgan Dollar is titled "Doubled 18-6, O Set High" and classified as III2 6 - C3e with a rarity rating of 181. The obverse exhibits doubling on three of the four date digits while leaving the 8 in the second position without visible secondary impressions: the 1 is doubled as a thin line on the right side below the lower crossbar, the first 8 shows doubling below its lower loop, and the 6 displays doubling at the top outside of its upper loop. This selective, multi-digit doubling pattern with varying intensities and positions on different numerals is characteristic of hub doubling where the angular displacement between hub impressions creates different magnitudes of spread at different points across the die face. The reverse carries the C3e classification, featuring a medium O mintmark set higher than normal in the wreath — a mintmark positioning detail that adds a secondary diagnostic beyond the obverse date doubling. The 1886-O Morgan Dollar was struck at the New Orleans Mint with a mintage of 10,710,000 in 90% silver, weighing 26.73 grams at 38.1 mm diameter. The New Orleans Mint, which operated from 1838 to 1909, produced Morgan Dollars from 1879 through 1904, and the O mintmark positioning variations documented across the 1886-O VAM catalog reflect the hand-punching process used to apply mintmarks to each individual working die. George T. Morgan's designs, featuring the left-facing Liberty head and heraldic eagle, provide the canvas for this multi-element variety.

External References