1886-O VAM-1A1

Description

Designated both a Top 100 and WOW variety in the Morgan Dollar VAM canon, the 1886-O VAM-1A1 is one of the most visually dramatic clashed die varieties in the entire series. The reverse displays a full raised E below the eagle's tail feathers on the left side, accompanied by partial B and R — all three letters transferred from the obverse LIBERTY during a die clash where obverse and reverse dies struck each other without a planchet between them. Revised in 2014 and cataloged as III21 C3a with die variety number 181, this New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollar earned its Top 100 status because the transferred BER letters are bold enough to be seen without magnification, a rarity among clashed die varieties. The WOW designation further elevates it as a must-have variety. The 1886-O is already one of the key dates in the Morgan Dollar series — New Orleans struck a relatively modest number that year, and survivors in higher grades command substantial premiums. When a scarce date also carries a dramatic die clash that places obverse letters visibly onto the reverse, the numismatic interest compounds. VAM-1A1 remains among the most sought-after New Orleans Morgan varieties.

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