Smart Buying Guide: How to Buy 1885-O Morgan VAM-24 “Belly Button” Without Getting Ripped Off
April 20, 2026The Silver & Gold Content of 1885-O Morgan VAM Question ‘Belly Button’ Explained
April 20, 2026
The Hidden Treasure in Your Pocket Change
Sometimes the most valuable discoveries are hiding in plain sight. The 1885-O Morgan Dollar with its distinctive “belly button” variety is exactly that kind of treasure – a fascinating minting anomaly that could be sitting in your coin jar right now. This isn’t just another common silver dollar; it’s a piece of numismatic history with a story to tell.
Historical Significance
The New Orleans Mint struck over 17 million of these coins in 1885, making them relatively common compared to other Morgan Dollar dates. But what makes the “belly button” variety special isn’t its rarity – it’s the unusual circumstances of its creation. This wasn’t a deliberate design choice but rather a striking error that occurred during production. According to Q. David Bowers in his definitive work “Silver Dollars & Trade Dollars of the United States,” this particular variety is cataloged as VAM-24, part of the comprehensive system developed by Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis to identify Morgan and Peace dollar varieties.
The New Orleans Mint Connection
The New Orleans Mint had a reputation for producing coins with distinctive characteristics, and the 1885-O issue is particularly notable. As the most common of all New Orleans Mint silver dollars in Uncirculated grade, these coins were widely saved and circulated throughout the southern United States. With an estimated 2.5 to 3.5 million surviving in MS-60 to MS-62 condition alone, finding one isn’t impossible – but finding the “belly button” variety requires a trained eye.
Identifying Key Markers
When searching through rolls or bulk lots, here’s what to look for:
The Belly Button Feature
The most distinctive characteristic is the recessed or dimpled area in the lowest portion of the eagle’s breast on the reverse. This creates what collectors call a “belly button” – a circular depression that appears as if the eagle has a navel. This feature is caused by metal not filling the deepest portion of the die during striking, creating a unique visual appeal that sets these coins apart from common examples.
Die Crack Identification
Experienced collectors have noted a consistent die crack that runs from the left star to above the letter “U” in “PLURIBUS” on the obverse. This crack is present on all examples of this variety and serves as a reliable identifier. As one collector observed: “that die crack from the left star to above the U is always there. Clearly something went rather wonky when they had this specific set of dies in the press.”
VAM-24 Specific Markers
The variety is specifically identified as VAM-24, with the mint mark position being approximately correct for this attribution. The VAMworld website provides detailed images and descriptions for verification. When examining potential specimens, compare your coin to the reference images available at the VAMworld database to confirm your find.
Where to Find Them
The beauty of hunting for this variety is that it can be found in various locations:
Circulation Finds
While less common today due to silver value, these coins occasionally still appear in circulation, particularly in areas with active coin roll hunting communities. Bank rolls of “silver” or “old” dollars are worth searching, especially if you’re willing to put in the time to examine each coin carefully.
Bulk Lots and Estate Sales
Bulk lots of Morgan Dollars from estate sales, auctions, or online marketplaces represent prime hunting grounds. Many sellers don’t recognize the variety and list coins as common dates. The discussion mentions finding examples in “past auction listings or similar,” where knowledgeable collectors can acquire these coins at common-date prices.
Cherry Picking Strategy
As noted in the original discussion, “Cherry-picking is easy to do for this issue and is advised.” This means you can often find these coins mixed in with common Morgan Dollars without paying premium prices for recognized varieties. It’s a strategy that rewards patience and knowledge.
Understanding the Error
There’s an interesting debate about the cause of the belly button feature. One collector questioned whether it was caused by “insanely localized low striking pressure,” asking why this didn’t happen on “hundreds of millions of Morgan Dollars struck in other years and/or Mints.” Another theory suggests it could be “a strike through from something centered on the reverse die.”
The Die Chip Theory
Some collectors have observed what appears to be “scratch marks like they were trying to remove the die chip” on certain specimens. This suggests the mint may have attempted to repair or modify the die, creating the distinctive feature we see today. The fact that this variety persisted through multiple strikings indicates it was a significant die issue that wasn’t quickly corrected.
Value Guide
While the original discussion didn’t provide specific pricing information, the value of these coins depends on several factors:
Condition Considerations
The 1885-O is common in Mint State grades, with “an estimated population is 800,000 to 1,300,000” in MS-63 alone. However, the belly button variety commands a premium over common examples, particularly in higher grades where the distinctive feature remains clearly visible and the overall strike quality is strong.
Authentication Importance
Given the value of recognized varieties, having your specimen authenticated by a professional service like PCGS or NGC is recommended if you believe you’ve found a significant example. The PCGS CoinFacts database lists detailed information about this variety, and third-party certification can significantly enhance both the collectibility and potential investment value of your discovery.
Collecting Strategy
For collectors interested in this variety, consider these approaches:
The Variety Collector
Building a collection of different VAM varieties from the 1885-O date can be rewarding. The belly button variety is just one of many interesting die varieties from this year, each with its own story and characteristics. This approach allows you to explore the fascinating world of die varieties while focusing on a single date.
The Error Collector
If you’re interested in striking errors and die varieties, this coin represents an excellent example of how production anomalies can create collectible varieties that persist through multiple strikings. The belly button feature demonstrates how even small die issues can create lasting numismatic interest.
The Investment Angle
While common 1885-O Morgans are relatively affordable, recognized varieties with strong eye appeal and certification can appreciate in value, particularly as VAM collecting gains popularity. The combination of historical significance and distinctive visual appeal makes this variety an attractive option for both collectors and investors.
Conclusion
The 1885-O Morgan “belly button” variety represents an excellent opportunity for collectors to find something special without breaking the bank. Whether you’re searching through bank rolls, estate sales, or online bulk lots, knowing what to look for can turn an ordinary coin hunt into an exciting discovery. The combination of historical significance, distinctive visual appeal, and relative accessibility makes this variety a perfect target for both novice and experienced collectors alike.
Remember, as one collector discovered after decades of ownership: “I’ve had this 1885-O Morgan for many years (40 or more) and always just thought it was a ‘Belly Button’ Morgan.” Sometimes the most interesting coins are the ones we already own, waiting to be properly identified and appreciated. Keep searching, keep learning, and you might just find that hidden treasure in your own collection.
Related Resources
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