1896-O VAM-33

Description

Discovered in November 2022 by Roger Bradshaw, the 1896-O VAM-33 Morgan Dollar carries the classification III2 17 · C3k (Near Date, O Slightly High) and represents a relatively recent addition to the VAMWorld catalog. The obverse (III2 17) shows the date set left of its normal position, with a gouge running through the B in LIBERTY and extending into the band above the left half of E. Obverse die markers include vertical die polishing lines visible in the ribbon and below the inside end of the ribbon — linear striations left from die maintenance that serve as reliable attribution fingerprints for this specific working die. The reverse (C3k) features an O mintmark set slightly high, a subtle positional variation resulting from the hand-punching process used at the New Orleans Mint. Reverse die markers include lines in the wing-neck gap and polishing lines at the inside edge of the eagle’s legs, providing additional confirmation points for the reverse die. The die pair identification sequence (DPIS) is documented as B23/C4, placing this die marriage within the broader emission sequence for 1896-O Morgan Dollars. George T. Morgan’s design was struck at the New Orleans Mint in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. The 1896-O had a mintage of approximately 4.9 million pieces, a modest production figure that contributes to the date’s overall scarcity in higher grades. The left-shifted date position combined with the high O mintmark creates a two-point attribution framework, while the polishing line patterns in the ribbon area and wing-neck gap provide secondary confirmation for collectors examining potential specimens under magnification.

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