1893-O VAM-3A

Description

Discovered in April 2009 by Peter Hohnstein, VAM-3A on the 1893-O Morgan Dollar is classified III2 2 with reverse C3a and carries the title "Slanted Date, Clashed Obverse n" — combining a date alignment anomaly with a die clash transfer feature on a single obverse die. The slanted date configuration shows the numeral 3 positioned higher than the numeral 1 within the date 1893, creating a noticeable upward tilt from left to right that departs from the level baseline alignment standard on most Morgan Dollar date placements. This tilt may result from slightly angled seating of the date logotype during the die preparation process, where the four-digit punch was rocked or canted as it was driven into the die face. The clash component — a partial incuse "n" from the reverse word "In" appearing next to Liberty's neck — documents a separate manufacturing event where the obverse and reverse dies struck each other without a planchet, transferring the reverse letter impression into the obverse die surface. The catalogue identification number 181 places this within the VAMWorld registry. Reverse C3a identifies a centered and upright mintmark, distinguishing the O position from tilted or offset mintmark placements found on other 1893-O die pairings. The 1893-O Morgan Dollar is a significant semi-key date in the series, with a mintage of approximately 8.4 million pieces from the New Orleans Mint, struck in 90% silver at 26.73 grams. The dual diagnostic approach — checking date alignment for the slant and examining the neck area for the clashed "n" — provides a two-step attribution pathway that is reliable under 7x magnification with angled lighting to enhance both the date tilt visibility and the faint clash transfer contrast against the field.

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