1900-O VAM-2A2

Description

Discovered in 2015, this New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollar is classified as VAM-2A2 with designation III2 2 and reverse die C3a, described as Polished Wheat, Breaks E, P, RIB. The obverse die III2 2 in late die state developed die cracks at the tops of E, P, and RI in E PLURIBUS UNUM, along with tiny die chips between E and P and between R, I, and B, accompanied by slight displaced field breaks at R and I. These cracks and chips document advanced die deterioration, with displaced field breaks indicating metal around the cracked areas began to shift under striking pressure. Catalog notes confirm that 1900-O VAM-2A1 and VAM-2A2 represent the exact same die pair, with the dual designation likely reflecting different die states or documentation circumstances later recognized as a single continuous marriage. The polished wheat designation refers to the reverse die treatment, while progressive E, P, and RIB die breaks provide primary obverse diagnostics. The concentration of deterioration along E PLURIBUS traces a structural weakness that propagated crack by crack during production.

External References