1890-O VAM-7

Description

Discovered by Leonard Hinckley in February 1974, VAM-7 of the 1890-O Morgan dollar is designated III2 4 C3b as Slanted Date, from die pair (181). The obverse displays a date slanted with the 0 set higher than the 1, creating a tilted baseline that serves as the primary attribution feature. The reverse is a standard C3b type. NOTE: The related listing VAM-7A, described as an early die state without the gouge on the eagle's neck or top of head, has been identified as a dubious listing. As of January 2025, researchers found little to no evidence supporting the theory that a distinct early die state without those gouges exists as a separate variety. Coins attributed to VAM-7A may not represent a legitimately distinguishable die state from VAM-7. The 1890-O Morgan dollar was struck at the New Orleans Mint, and slanted date varieties are among the more visually accessible VAM types because the tilt can often be detected with the unaided eye. Hinckley's original discovery established VAM-7 over five decades ago as a recognized variety in the 1890-O series.

External References