1904-O VAM-23

Description

Discovered by Martin Field in August 1981 and revised in 2010 and 2011, this New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollar is designated VAM-23 under Classification 23 III2 5, C4f, with die pair 181. The variety is described as Far Date, High O, with the date digits positioned further from center than standard. A thread-like die impression at the back of the Phrygian cap serves as a distinctive obverse die marker, while horizontal polishing lines in the lower tail feathers provide a reverse attribution aid. Community identification notes indicate this variety benefits from additional specimen documentation, as posting clear images of confirmed examples helps other collectors verify their attributions. Struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, the 1904-O Morgan Dollar marks the final year of regular production at the New Orleans Mint before the seventeen-year gap in Morgan Dollar coinage. The New Orleans facility would close permanently in 1909, making 1904-O among the last Morgan Dollars struck there. The far date combined with the high O provides two positional diagnostics, while the thread-like die impression and polishing lines offer confirmation markers for this late-series variety.

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