1888-O $1 VAM 4, Hot Lips TOP 100 MS(PCGS#133919)

February 2025 Showcase Auction - U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

1143

Grade

AU55

Price

960

Lot Description

Writing in the 1997 reference <em>The Top 100 Morgan Dollar Varieties: The VAM Keys</em>, Michael S. Fey and Jeff Oxman describe the 1888-O VAM-4 as "The whimsically names 'Hot Lips' variety" and "the Number One doubled die obverse in the Morgan dollar series." The doubling along Liberty's profile is bold and readily evident at the nose, mouth and chin. Examples are eagerly sought in all grades, especially Choice AU, given how few Mint State coins are known.