1891-O VAM-4

Description

Maurice Dubreuil's February 1975 discovery of VAM-4 on the 1891-O Morgan Dollar documented two distinct die features: an open 9 in the date on the obverse and a medium O mintmark tilted to the right on the reverse. The open 9 — where the upper loop of the digit does not fully close — represents a die state or punch characteristic distinguishing this obverse from dies showing a standard closed 9. Combined with the rightward-tilting mintmark, these two features provide a reliable two-point attribution. Classified under plate designation 4 III2 2 with die pair C3b (181), VAM-4 carries historical weight as a variety from the final New Orleans Morgan Dollar production year before a seven-year hiatus. The New Orleans Mint struck Morgan Dollars from 1879 through 1891, then ceased silver dollar production until resuming in 1898. This terminal date means VAM-4 represents one of the last die pairings employed before the facility's presses fell silent on dollar coinage for nearly a decade. Collectors should check the 9 for the open-loop characteristic and confirm the rightward tilt of the O mintmark. =1891-O VAM-4 O Tilted Right= Discovered by Maurice Dubreuil, February 1975.

External References