1887-O VAM-5A

Description

Recognized as a Top 100 Morgan VAM, this 1887 New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollar is designated VAM-5A under Classification III2 5, C3a, documenting Doubled Stars and Motto with a Die Break Below 18. Discovered in 2009, the variety is assigned die pair number 181. On the obverse, die breaks appear on the denticles below Liberty's head and neck point, extending below the 18 where the break reaches into the field. An additional break in the denticles below the first and second left stars does not extend into the field. The Top 100 designation places this variety among the most significant and sought-after Morgan Dollar die marriages, as selected by leading VAM researchers. Struck in 90% silver (0.7734 oz ASW) at the New Orleans Mint during the Gilded Age, the 1887-O saw a mintage of approximately 11.5 million pieces. The progressive die breaks below the date and stars suggest this obverse die was nearing the end of its useful life, with metal fatigue creating fractures that spread through the denticle ring. VAM-5A's combination of doubled stars, motto doubling, and dramatic die breaks makes it a visually compelling and historically important variety.

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