1902-O VAM-18A

Description

The 1902-O VAM-18A is a Morgan silver dollar variety struck at the New Orleans Mint, classified under the Van Allen-Mallis cataloging system as a "Near Date, 2 Olive Reverse, Pitted D, Gouge F" die pair. Discovered by Michael Ash in October 2006, this variety carries the full designation III23 C4/C3e (181), indicating its die classification within the comprehensive VAM taxonomy. The reverse die is designated C4/C3e and features a short diagonal die gouge at the lower right of the letter F in OF, serving as the primary pickup point for attribution. The 1902-O Morgan dollar is struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter, featuring George T. Morgan's iconic Liberty Head obverse and heraldic eagle reverse. A critical note for collectors is that the exact same pair of dies was used to produce both the 1902-O VAM-18 and the 1902-O VAM-18A, with the 18A representing a later die state distinguished by additional die deterioration or marker development. The New Orleans Mint, which operated from 1838 to 1909, produced Morgan dollars from 1879 to 1904, and O-mint Morgans are especially prized by VAM collectors for their typically lower mintages and distinctive die characteristics that differentiate them from the more common Philadelphia issues.

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