1896-O VAM-28B

Description

Identified in 2021 by the researcher known as LateDateMorganGuy, the 1896-O VAM-28B is a recent addition to the Morgan Dollar VAM catalog. Classified with die pairing III2 1 and reverse C3h, this New Orleans Mint variety is designated O Set Right with a die gouge above the O mintmark and pitting at the olive branch end. The reverse displays a thin horizontal line of die pitting at the right end of the olive branch, distinguishing this sub-variety from the parent VAM-28. The emission sequence is number 181. The reverse die is rotated slightly left relative to normal alignment, adding a mechanical anomaly to the die-specific markers. The 1896-O Morgan Dollar was struck at the New Orleans Mint during heavy silver dollar production under the aftermath of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act, and the facility's conditions contributed to numerous die varieties still being cataloged over a century later. Die pitting on the olive branch suggests progressive surface deterioration during the reverse die's production run.

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