1891-O VAM-1
Error
Description
Cataloged as VAM-1 under classification III2 1 - C3a (Closed 9), this 1891-O Morgan dollar was discovered by George Mallis in June 1965 and represents the normal die pairing for the New Orleans issue. The obverse employs a Type III2 die featuring the distinctive closed 9 in the date, where the tail of the numeral curls inward to nearly close the loop. This closed-9 style is one of several date logotype variations found across the Morgan series, reflecting different date punches used during production. The reverse carries a C3a die with a medium-size Type III O mint mark positioned centered and upright beneath the eagle's tail feathers. As a normal die variety numbered 181 in the VAM sequence, this coin serves as the baseline reference for the 1891-O date, against which all other die marriages for the issue are compared. Collectors seeking the standard die pairing for this date will find VAM-1 the most accessible starting point.
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