1891-O VAM-1A1

1891-O VAM-1A1 Clashed Obverse D & O, Reverse BERT

Discovered September 1891, Robert Preston (unofficial)
This coin is a Top 100 Morgan VAM.
1A1(revised) III2 1 · C3a (Clashed Obverse D & O, Reverse BERT) (181) I-5 R-5
Obverse III2 1 – Strongly clashed die at top with partial incuse O of O mint mark from reverse showing above right wheat leaf. Part of incuse top of D of DOLLAR from reverse shows below I of PLURIBUS.
Reverse C3a – Strongly clashed die with full raised E below eagle’s tail feathers on left side and partial raised B at left of E, tip of R to right of E and raised bar of T in middle of tail feathers from obverse LIBERTY. Centered circular medium III O mint mark.

Comments:

1. Four die states of this die pair have been cataloged with the following progression:
   
   • 1st VAM 1A1 Clash
     
   • 2nd VAM 1A4 Clash Polishing and gouge
     
   • 3rd VAM 1A2 Depression to Bump
     
   • 4th VAM 1A3 Terminal break on Bump with non displaced radial break from UNITED
     
2. The final die state, VAM 1A3, has a large raised vertical bar break on left side of profile line extending up to wreath leaf.
   
3. This VAM has a the strongest E clashed on the reverse of any Morgan dollar. In fact, the E on the reverse looks like it was actually part of the design it was so strong.
   
4. This is a really cool variety well worth a substantial premium to own in AU. Mint state examples are exceptionally rare.
   

Threads:

1. Russ's Coin to LVA 2013 http://www.vamworld.wikispaces.com/share/view/65101022
   
2. [[1]]
   
3. AdiosVW-II Thread
   

LVA Plate Photo

Additional Photos

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  The reverse is loaded with other design elements transferred from the obverse die when the two dies clashed.

This letter from the acting Mint Director to the Superintendent of the Mint in 1891 shows this variety being discovered as a result of a special assay.

Full Coin Photos

Large Full Coin of VAM-1A1 Photo and Attribution by TwoHawks

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6/2017
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