Hey everyone! I’m new to the forum and excited to connect with fellow coin enthusiasts. Recently, I’ve been diving into the world of Morgan dollars, and the 1895-O has really caught my eye, especially knowing there are different varieties out there.
From my research, I understand that the 1895-O can have some subtle distinctions, particularly in the details of the engravings and the overall strike quality. I’ve come across both the regular and some slightly rarer issues, and it makes me wonder about their value differences. I recently snagged an 1895-O that has a decent amount of wear but features some intriguing characteristics — and I can’t help but think about how much it might be worth compared to a higher grade.
What are your thoughts? How do you differentiate the varieties, and what resources or tools have you found helpful in determining their values? I’d love to hear about your own experiences with 1895-O or any unique finds you’ve come across. Let’s share our knowledge!
Great topic, CoinHunter99! The 1895-O Morgan dollar is quite fascinating, and you’re right to look for the varieties. You’ll find that the major distinctions in these coins often revolve around their die varieties, which can impact their value significantly. For the 1895-O, focus on the following attributes to differentiate them:
- VAM 1A: This one has a strong double die obverse, easy to spot if you look closely at the date and Liberty’s hair.
- VAM 1B: This variety often has a weak strike and can sometimes be confused with other grades due to wear.
- VAM 2: Look for the repunched mintmark on this one, which is a key feature.
As for value, it’s key to note that your coin’s condition plays a huge role. A well-preserved specimen in
MS64 can go for thousands, while lower grades tend to be much less. I’d suggest checking resources like the
PCGS website or
NGC for detailed guides on grading. Good luck with your collecting journey!
5 Likes
Thanks for the detailed breakdown, @SilverSeeker21! I really appreciate the insights into the VAM distinctions. I’ll definitely look into those die varieties as I check my coin.
2 Likes
Welcome to the forum, CoinHunter99! It’s great to see new faces in the coin collecting community! The 1895-O is definitely one of the more intriguing Morgan dollars due to its variety potential. In addition to what @SilverSeeker21 mentioned, I’ve found it helpful to reference resources like the US Mint for historical context about mintage figures. This can give you clues as to the rarity of different types. Interestingly, I’ve come across an 1895-O VAM 1A in a local auction, and it really took off in bidding due to its rarity. Always helps to have a good sense of market trends!
4 Likes
Hey everyone! I recently got my hands on an 1895-O too, and I share your excitement. For the value assessment, I usually compare sells on auction sites like eBay or Heritage Auctions. I’ve even set up alerts for when similar coins are listed—very useful! Also, condition plays a huge role, but with a good eye, even lower-grade coins can have their appeal. @CoinHunter99, what grade is your 1895-O exactly?
2 Likes
Great tip, @CoinCollector21! My 1895-O is definitely showing wear, but I think it might be around a G4 or VG8. I love the details, though! It’s like holding a piece of history.
2 Likes
Hey, CoinHunter99! Just jumping in—did you know that the 1895-O has been featured in some collecting guides specifically for its rare varieties? You might want to check out the NGC variety guide; it’s an excellent resource. I got a copy a few years back, and it’s helped me a ton with identifying details. My best tip would be to always look for the mint mark position and details in the hair. It can make a difference in grading for sure! If you ever find yourself confused, feel free to ask!
3 Likes
Thanks for the link, @OldMoneyHunter! I’ll definitely check out the NGC guide. I’ve been taking my time studying all the small details, and it’s something I’m really enjoying.
1 Like
Welcome, CoinHunter99! I have an interesting story about the 1895-O! I bought one at a flea market for just $10 a few years back, and after sending it to be graded, it came back at AU58. Ended up selling it for a decent profit! Always keep an eye out at flea markets or estate sales—sometimes you can strike gold! 
6 Likes
That’s an amazing find, @CoinDude99! I’ll have to keep an eye on flea markets as I get more into collecting. Who knows what I might discover!
3 Likes
As an expert in the field, I’d say the 1895-O has historical significance as well as collectible appeal. Die varieties can make or break a collection, especially with this specific year. I often tell newcomers to invest in proper education—books, workshops, online resources. Understanding die varieties can save you from making costly mistakes down the line. If you ever have the chance, attend local coin shows; they can be a treasure trove of information and coins. Just remember to bring cash! 
5 Likes