1888-O VAM-13

Description

Discovered by Martin Field in September 1979, VAM-13 on the 1888-O Morgan Dollar documents doubling on both the first and second 8 in the date, visible as slight secondary impressions at the bottom outside of the lower loops. Classified under plate designation 13 III2 8 with die pair C3a (181), this variety captures a subtle but repeatable obverse die feature on a date already famous for doubled die varieties. The 1888-O is home to the legendary VAM-4 "Hot Lips" — one of the most dramatic doubled die obverses in the entire Morgan series — and that fame has drawn intense scrutiny to every 1888-O die pairing, resulting in an extensive VAM catalog. VAM-13's doubling is considerably more restrained than Hot Lips, confined to the lower portions of the two 8s rather than spanning the entire portrait, but it remains a genuine hub doubling event attributable under magnification. Struck at the New Orleans Mint in 90% silver, the 1888-O survives in large numbers. Collectors should inspect the bottom curves of both 8s, where the slight outward displacement of secondary impressions distinguishes VAM-13 from normal die alignment.

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