1903-O VAM-18

Description

Identified by a doubled 1 at the base of the date, VAM-18 on the 1903-O Morgan Dollar documents a subtle but diagnostically important obverse die feature. The doubling extends slightly below the base of the numeral 1, running from just right of the left side of the base across the entire bottom, producing longer doubling than the similar VAM-9 — a distinction critical for accurate attribution between the two varieties. Under the Van Allen-Mallis system, this die pairing is designated III2 10 on the obverse and C4a on the reverse, with the classification carrying a tentative status indicated by the question mark notation. The New Orleans Mint struck Morgan Dollars from 1879 through 1904, and the 1903-O is notable as the penultimate year of O-mint Morgan production before the series ended in 1904. Collectors should compare this variety carefully against VAM-9 when examining the date area: the longer extension of doubling below the base of the 1 is the key differentiator. Base-of-date doubling varieties are among the more accessible Morgan Dollar VAMs for collectors, as the date area is a natural focal point during examination.

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