1888-O VAM-1B1

Description

Representing the earliest die state of what would become one of the most recognized New Orleans Morgan Dollar varieties, the 1888-O VAM-1B1 was discovered by Leroy Van Allen in March 2006. Classified 1B1 (revised) III2 1 C3a, this entry documents the Scarface die break variety before the dramatic facial crack fully developed. At this stage, the die break extends from the denticles through the dot between E and P of E PLURIBUS but has not yet progressed into the open field — the characteristic that gives later states their Scarface nickname. Specimens of VAM-1B1 carry less premium than later stages where the crack crosses Liberty's face. The revised classification indicates refinement after initial documentation. As an early state preceding the famous Scarface progression, VAM-1B1 provides collectors a window into the die's condition before catastrophic failure created one of the most visually dramatic varieties in the Morgan Dollar series. New Orleans struck 12,150,000 Morgan Dollars in 1888.

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