1890-CC VAM-15

Description

Discovered in June 2024 by Keith Chambers, the 1890-CC VAM-15 Morgan Dollar is classified as 15 III2 10 - C3f (Gouge in Jaw, Doubled CC) with an unconfirmed die pairing number. The obverse (III2 10) displays the date in a normal position accompanied by a thick, horizontal die gouge running through the bottom rear of Liberty's jaw — a prominent and visually striking feature that serves as the primary identification marker for this variety. The CC mintmark on the reverse is doubled, indicating the Carson City mintmark received two separate applications during die preparation, with the secondary impression displaced from the primary. Die markers include polishing lines visible in the LIBERTY inscription and around the cotton bolls on the obverse. The emission sequence notes that this variety represents an earlier die state than VAM-6, and community commentary identifies an additional gouge through the upper "bear claw" curls below the center of the cap bottom — providing a secondary attribution feature. The DPIS measurement is recorded as LH3/B45. The 1890-CC Morgan Dollar was struck at the Carson City Mint in Nevada — a facility that operated from 1870 through 1893 and whose products are among the most avidly collected in American numismatics, with the distinctive CC mintmark commanding significant premiums across all denominations. Composed of 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter, the 1890-CC had a mintage of approximately 2.3 million pieces. George T. Morgan's design features Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse. The combination of the prominent jaw gouge, doubled CC mintmark, and Carson City origin makes this a particularly desirable variety for Morgan Dollar collectors who specialize in the Carson City issues.

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