1883 O Morgan - Can't identify this VAM???

Windycity

I can't identify this 1883 O Morgan as a listed VAM but clearly the date is "fatter" than most. Even under microscope, I can't find signs of doubling. Any help is appreciated.

messydesk

Not a special VAM, but a couple explanations. 1879 through 1883, you'll often see the 18 stronger than the rest of the date because the 18 was part of the hub. The full date was then repunched into the die, usually making the 18 stronger. The fat date is what you'd get with a weak strike where the digits don't fill completely (i.e., the metal doesn't "bottom out" in the recesses of the date digits). The thin date could happen if the die is polished, removing the widest part of the digits from the die.

Windycity

John ,

Thanks for the response.

The "fat date" coin is a fully struck coin with excellent detail, certainly not a weak strike. It was in a roll of 1883 O's and is the only one that looks like this. As you can see in the picture, the last 8 and 3 are also much wider than other coins.