1886-O VAM-17

Description

Identified by Herb Zepke in July 1999, the 1886-O VAM-17 is a Doubled Ear, Far Date variety on this New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollar. The die pair is designated 17 III2-11 · C3a, plate (181). On the obverse (III2 11), the right inside of the ear shows slight doubling — a secondary hub impression that left extra thickness along the interior contour, visible under moderate magnification. The date is set further right than normal, qualifying this die for the "Far Date" classification and providing a secondary diagnostic that helps confirm attribution independent of the ear doubling. The reverse die (C3a) represents a standard pairing. Doubled ear varieties on Morgan Dollars are a well-documented subcategory within the VAM system, as the ear's concave interior surface is sensitive to even minor hub misalignment during die preparation. The 1886-O had a mintage of 10.71 million pieces, a strong production year for New Orleans, and the resulting number of working dies increased the probability that some would exhibit hub doubling on fine portrait details like the ear interior. =1886-O VAM-17 Doubled Ear, Far Date= Discovered by Herb Zepke, July 1999.

External References