Numismatic

1888-O Morgan Dollar MS-63 PCGS (Top-100, VAM 1A Clashed E)

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The 1888 Morgan Silver Dollar struck at the New Orleans Mint is a fascinating specimen for those who appreciate the unexpected quirks of historical minting. With a silver purity of 0.900 and containing 0.7734 troy ounces of precious metal, this coin is a classic example of late nineteenth-century American currency. What elevates this particular issue is its classification as the VAM 1A variety, famously known for the Clashed E error. This specific variety occurred when the coin dies came together without a metal planchet between them, causing the details of one die to imprint onto the other. On this coin, the clash resulted in a visible, inverted letter E from the reverse design appearing on the obverse side. It is a remarkable physical record of a mechanical mishap on the New Orleans minting floor. This coin has been certified in Mint State 63 (MS-63) condition, preserving the details of both the original design and the dramatic die clash. The inscriptions visible on the coin include the national motto IN GOD WE TRUST, the denomination ONE DOLLAR, and the year 1888, all framing this captivating piece of numismatic history.