1903-O VAM-20
Error
Description
Discovered in 2014 by Bill Toland, this New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollar is classified as VAM-20 with obverse die III2 11 paired with reverse die C4i, described as O/O Right Down. The reverse C4i features a Type III O mint mark set slightly right and re-punched, showing a curved line at the top inside and displacement at the bottom right outside. This re-punched mint mark creates the characteristic O over O appearance where traces of the initial placement remain visible alongside the final position. Polishing lines above the right bow ribbon serve as an additional reverse die marker. LVA research notes confirm the O/O does not match re-punched mint marks on VAM-12 or VAM-15, establishing VAM-20 as a distinct re-punching event. A further notation indicates the O/O does not show on all examples, suggesting die polishing or progressive wear reduced the secondary mint mark impression on later-struck specimens. The variety number 181 places this within the documented 1903-O Morgan Dollar die marriages, where re-punched mint marks constitute a significant category of collectible varieties.
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