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The Certified 1883-O Morgan Silver Dollar graded MS60 by ANACS and attributed as VAM-36A is a fascinating numismatic specimen that combines the appeal of a Mint State Morgan dollar with the added intrigue of a recognized die variety. Struck at the New Orleans Mint, this coin represents both the historical legacy of America’s southern branch mint and the richness of the VAM (Van Allen–Mallis) cataloging system, which identifies and classifies die variations within the Morgan and Peace dollar series. The MS60 grade designates this example as uncirculated, albeit with noticeable contact marks and subdued luster, while the VAM-36A attribution elevates its interest to collectors specializing in die varieties and errors.
The Morgan dollar was designed by George T. Morgan and first issued in 1878. It served as the backbone of U.S. silver coinage during the late 19th century and was struck in large quantities at multiple mints, including Philadelphia, Carson City, San Francisco, Denver, and New Orleans. The 1883-O issue saw a robust mintage of 8,725,000 coins, and while Mint State examples are relatively common, VAM-designated pieces like the 36A stand out for their distinct die characteristics and growing collector following. ANACS is known for being one of the most VAM-friendly grading services, frequently attributing coins by their die variety numbers as part of their standard holdering service.
The obverse of the coin features the classic left-facing bust of Liberty, adorned with a Phrygian cap, cotton bolls, and wheat, representing agricultural prosperity. The inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arches above, while the date “1883” is located below Liberty’s portrait. In MS60 condition, the coin retains its full Mint State status with no signs of circulation wear. However, as a lower uncirculated grade, it will show moderate to heavy bag marks and chatter in the fields and on high points like Liberty’s cheek, jawline, and the open spaces of the coin. Despite these contact marks, the overall design remains sharp and attractive, particularly for collectors interested in die varieties rather than pristine surfaces.
The reverse of the coin displays the iconic heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch and arrows, with a wreath below and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” above the eagle’s head. Surrounding inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR,” with the “O” mintmark below the wreath indicating the coin’s origin at the New Orleans Mint. For the VAM-36A variety, collectors should look closely at the mintmark area, as this variety is best known for its “Far Date” obverse and a notable die break or retained cud in the wreath area near the mintmark on the reverse. These diagnostics are essential for confirming the attribution and add dramatic visual interest to the reverse.
The VAM-36A is one of the more visually engaging varieties in the 1883-O series. The “Far Date” feature refers to the placement of the date digits being further right than typical, positioned unusually close to the coin’s rim. More significantly, the VAM-36A is known for a dramatic retained cud or die break on the reverse, forming a raised area in the lower wreath near the mintmark. These kinds of die failures—while common in heavily used dies of the era—are often overlooked by casual collectors but highly prized by VAM enthusiasts for their uniqueness and historical insights into minting processes.
Minted in New Orleans, the 1883-O Morgan dollar comes from a facility historically known for producing silver coinage with generally average to below-average strikes. However, the VAM-36A variety demonstrates how certain dies wore rapidly or failed due to repeated use. As a result, coins like this one reveal much about the production environment at the New Orleans Mint in the 1880s. Despite a high mintage, the number of examples with retained cud features and properly attributed varieties is significantly lower, making VAM-36A a desirable target for variety collectors.
The MS60 grade awarded by ANACS indicates a coin that is at the threshold of Mint State: it shows no wear from circulation but has an abundance of marks from bag handling and storage. Luster may be muted or incomplete, and surface abrasions are more pronounced than in higher-grade Mint State coins. However, collectors interested in VAMs often value the diagnostic features and originality over pristine fields, especially when the die variety is as bold and distinct as VAM-36A. ANACS’s attribution on the holder confirms the coin’s identity and adds credibility to its status as a collectible die variety.
The ANACS holder protects the coin from environmental damage and secures its certification, with the variety noted clearly on the label. This makes the coin not only easier to trade and verify but also eligible for inclusion in VAM-specific registry sets or competitive collections. The coin may display original silver-gray toning or light golden hues, common for Morgan dollars stored in canvas mint bags or old cabinets for decades. Toned examples of VAM varieties often garner additional interest due to their originality and eye appeal.
Collectors of VAM Morgan dollars pursue pieces like the 1883-O VAM-36A for their educational and visual value. These coins help trace the life cycle of individual dies and provide insight into late 19th-century U.S. minting practices. They are also a vibrant part of the growing segment of the hobby that seeks not only dates and mintmarks but the stories behind how specific dies deteriorated or were altered. The retained cud on VAM-36A is dramatic and appealing, and when paired with uncirculated preservation, even at the MS60 level, it becomes a centerpiece for variety collectors.
The Certified 1883-O Morgan Silver Dollar graded MS60 by ANACS and attributed as VAM-36A is a fascinating, affordable, and historically rich coin that merges the appeal of classic silver dollars with the intricacies of die variety collecting. With its bold retained cud, far date placement, and solid Mint State status, it provides both visual interest and educational value. It’s an ideal piece for VAM specialists, New Orleans Mint collectors, or anyone assembling a die-variety-focused Morgan dollar set.