1896-O VAM-28

Description

First identified in 2013 and revised in 2021, this New Orleans Morgan Dollar is cataloged as VAM-28, classified III2 1, C3h (O Set Right) (181). The defining characteristic is the O mint mark positioned slightly to the right of center, a placement variation that distinguishes this reverse die from others used for the 1896-O issue. The obverse carries a die marker consisting of polishing lines visible in the TY of LIBERTY, while the reverse shows die polishing lines in the wing-neck gap area. Die polishing lines result from the abrasive finishing process applied to dies during preparation or maintenance, and they serve as reliable identification markers because their specific patterns are unique to individual dies. The revision in 2021, eight years after the initial discovery, reflects the ongoing refinement that characterizes VAM classification work, where additional specimens and improved documentation can lead to updated descriptions. The 1896-O had a modest mintage from the New Orleans Mint, and varieties with distinctive mint mark positioning attract specialists who study the placement characteristics of each punch used.

External References