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The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1887 Top 100 VAM-12 DDO Gator Eye MS65 NGC is a remarkable and highly collectible coin that represents a unique combination of numismatic history, minting error fascination, and aesthetic appeal. The Morgan Dollar series, spanning from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921, is one of the most beloved and widely collected coin series in American numismatics. Among Morgan Dollars, VAM varieties—cataloged and named after Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis—highlight the rich and intricate world of die varieties and minting anomalies. The 1887 VAM-12 Double Die Obverse (DDO), also known by the nickname "Gator Eye" due to its prominent eye doubling, is a standout Top 100 VAM, meaning it is one of the most significant and desirable varieties in the VAM collecting community. Certified by NGC as MS65, this coin offers not only high-grade brilliance but also a fascinating glimpse into the minting processes of the late 19th century.
The obverse design of the 1887 Morgan Silver Dollar features the iconic portrait of Lady Liberty, created by Assistant Mint Engraver George T. Morgan. Liberty is depicted as a youthful woman wearing a Phrygian cap, crowned with a headband inscribed "LIBERTY," and adorned with cotton bolls and wheat, symbols of the American agricultural economy. The inscription "E PLURIBUS UNUM" arches across the top, while the date "1887" appears at the bottom. On the VAM-12 variety, the eye of Liberty shows dramatic doubling, giving rise to the "Gator Eye" nickname. This characteristic doubling is so bold that it is visible without magnification to a trained eye, making it one of the most visually striking and immediately recognizable VAMs. The doubling can also be seen in other areas of the design, but the eye doubling remains the hallmark feature of this important variety.
The reverse of the 1887 Morgan Silver Dollar is classic and powerful, featuring an American bald eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons. A laurel wreath partially encircles the eagle, and above its head is the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" rendered in Gothic script. Surrounding the eagle are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DOLLAR." The reverse design exudes strength and unity, hallmarks of American ideals during the post-Reconstruction era. On the VAM-12 variety, the reverse appears as normal without significant doubling, making the obverse the clear focal point for identifying and appreciating this desirable error. The intricate engraving of the feathers, wreath, and motto are fully brought out by the sharpness of the MS65 strike, adding to the coin’s overall eye appeal and value.
The 1887 Morgan Silver Dollars were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the nation’s first and most historically significant mint facility. The Philadelphia issues carry no mintmark, distinguishing them from coins struck at branch mints such as Carson City, New Orleans, and San Francisco. The 1887 Philadelphia Morgan Dollar had a substantial mintage of over 20 million coins, making it one of the more common dates for the series overall. However, the VAM-12 variety represents a small fraction of that total mintage, arising from a specific die pair that suffered from noticeable hub doubling. Because of the relative rarity of this die variety compared to the general 1887 Morgan Dollar population, the Gator Eye VAM enjoys strong collector demand, especially in Mint State grades where the doubling is preserved with exceptional clarity.
The condition of the Certified 1887 Morgan Silver Dollar Top 100 VAM-12 DDO Gator Eye MS65 NGC reflects a superbly preserved piece, exhibiting the high level of quality and beauty that collectors prize. In MS65, the coin features booming mint luster that rolls across the surfaces, sharply struck design elements, and minimal marks confined to non-focal areas. Liberty’s hair, the cotton blossoms, and the leaves show intricate detail, while the fields are largely free of distracting abrasions. The dramatic eye doubling is preserved crisply, allowing for full appreciation of this fascinating mint error. The reverse similarly displays clean fields and bold details in the eagle’s feathers and wreath. MS65 examples are scarce compared to lower grades, making this coin a true gem for VAM enthusiasts and Morgan Dollar collectors alike.
The NGC certification guarantees the coin’s authenticity, attribution, and quality, providing collectors with confidence when acquiring this prized variety. The coin is encapsulated in a secure, tamper-evident holder with an NGC label that clearly identifies the coin as a Top 100 VAM-12 Gator Eye. This attribution is particularly important for VAM collectors, as accurately identifying and verifying these varieties can sometimes be challenging for those without specialized knowledge. The NGC encapsulation not only preserves the coin’s pristine condition but also enhances its liquidity and marketability, ensuring that it retains strong collector demand whether sold individually or as part of a specialized Morgan Dollar VAM set.
The VAM-12 Gator Eye is considered one of the most dramatic and visually appealing doubled die varieties within the Morgan Dollar series, contributing to its designation as a Top 100 VAM. The boldness of the doubling and its ease of identification make it a favorite among VAM collectors and those seeking a visually impressive mint error without needing specialized equipment to detect it. The Top 100 VAM list, compiled to guide collectors toward the most important and collectible varieties, has elevated coins like the 1887 VAM-12 to a premier status within the Morgan Dollar hobby. Owning a certified MS65 Gator Eye allows collectors to enjoy a piece that is both historically significant and aesthetically captivating, enhancing any advanced Morgan Dollar collection.
The historical context of the 1887 Morgan Dollar further enriches its appeal. The late 1880s were a time of rapid industrialization, technological innovation, and economic expansion in the United States. The production of millions of silver dollars at the Philadelphia Mint reflects the impact of the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which required the Treasury to purchase large amounts of silver and coin it into dollars. Morgan Dollars became emblematic of this era, serving not only as currency but also as enduring symbols of America’s growth and ambition. The existence of die varieties like the VAM-12 highlights the realities of 19th-century minting practices, where high production demands sometimes led to fascinating imperfections that would later become cherished by collectors.
The market for Certified 1887 Morgan Silver Dollar Top 100 VAM-12 DDO Gator Eye MS65 NGC remains robust, with strong demand from both VAM specialists and general Morgan Dollar collectors. MS65 examples are especially prized because they offer a nearly perfect representation of the doubling while retaining all the beauty and vibrancy of an uncirculated coin. As VAM collecting continues to grow in popularity, Top 100 varieties like the Gator Eye are increasingly viewed not only as intriguing varieties but also as smart numismatic investments. Limited supply, combined with increasing education and interest in the VAM market, supports the ongoing desirability and potential value appreciation of coins like the 1887 VAM-12 MS65.
The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1887 Top 100 VAM-12 DDO Gator Eye MS65 NGC embodies the perfect union of rarity, history, beauty, and technical excellence. Featuring George T. Morgan’s timeless design, preserved in spectacular Mint State 65 condition, and showcasing one of the boldest doubled die varieties in the entire Morgan Dollar series, this coin is a numismatic treasure. Whether admired for its dramatic eye doubling, its role in the economic history of the Gilded Age, or its stunning preservation and luster, the 1887 Gator Eye MS65 is a standout piece that will remain a highlight in any sophisticated coin collection.