1890-O VAM-7B

Description

Discovered by Lee Stichka in March 2016, the 1890-O VAM-7B is classified III24 - C3b (Slanted Date, High O, Spiked Eagle's Neck, Clashed Obverse n) at rarity 181. This 90% silver Morgan Dollar from the New Orleans Mint combines four distinct die characteristics in a single marriage. The obverse III 24 7B shows a clashed die with a faint partial incuse n of "In" from the reverse appearing slightly separated from Liberty's neck — a transfer impression from a die clash event where obverse and reverse dies struck each other without a planchet. The reverse C3b exhibits a horizontal die gouge extending from the left side of the eagle's neck to the top of its head, producing the "spiked" neck appearance referenced in the title. The slanted date and high O mint mark position provide additional attribution points. George T. Morgan's dollar, struck at 412.5 grains, saw considerable New Orleans production in 1890. The convergence of slanted date positioning, high mint mark, the dramatic spiked eagle's neck gouge, and clash remnants makes VAM-7B a multi-feature variety with strong visual appeal for attributors.

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