1888-O Morgan Silver Dollar. VAM-1B. Top 100 Variety. Scarface. MS-64 (PCGS). CAC.；Richly original Choice Mint State quality for this visually dramatic and rare Morgan dollar VAM variety. The obverse exhibits mottled peripheral highlights of reddish-gold, olive-russet and antique copper around a lighter pearl gray center. For the reverse we note a base of soft dove gray patina with irregular overtones of golden-russet and deep mauve. The overall strike is suitably bold in a New Orleans Mint silver dollar from the late 1880s, and the diagnostic die break on Libertys cheek is clear and readily appreciable. A full endowment of billowy satin luster and pleasingly smooth surfaces round out an impressive list of physical attributes for this endearing piece.<p>The 1888-O VAM-1B variety takes its Scarface name from the pronounced die break that bisects Libertys cheek. According to Morgan dollar variety experts Michael S. Fey and Jeff Oxman (<em>The Top 100 Morgan Dollar Varieties: The VAM Keys</em>, 1997), "The VAM-1B is the most dramatic die break in the Morgan dollar series. Rare in all grades." As one of the finest examples known to PCGS, the significance of this coin to advanced silver dollar variety collectors cannot be overstated.
