1887-O VAM-5B

Description

A TOP 100 Morgan Dollar VAM, this 1887 New Orleans Mint variety is one of the most significant and sought-after die marriages in the Morgan Dollar series. Discovered by Russ James in 2010, VAM-5B is classified under die pair (181) and features doubled stars and motto on the obverse, along with a die break below the digits 18 at the B die state. The B suffix indicates this is a later die state of VAM-5A, showing progressive deterioration that produced the die break. The Top 100 designation — awarded to the most important, rarest, and most collectible Morgan Dollar VAMs — places this variety among the elite tier of Morgan Dollar collecting, commanding significant premiums over common 1887-O examples. Cataloged by VAMWorld, the doubled stars and motto provide the primary attribution diagnostics, while the die break below 18 confirms the B die state versus the earlier 5A. The 1887-O Morgan Dollar was struck at New Orleans in substantial quantities, but the Top 100 status ensures this die state is actively pursued by specialists. Russ James's 2010 discovery expanded the documentation of an already important die marriage.

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