Overdates & Over Mint Marks of Morgan Dollars Attribution Guide

The Overdates & Over Mint Marks of Morgan Dollars Attribution Guide was authored by Leroy Van Allen, a foundational figure in the study of United States coinage varieties. Published to provide a specialized taxonomy for Morgan silver dollars, the guide emerged from the growing interest among numismatists in identifying subtle die errors, repunched mint marks, and overdates that differentiate standard issues from rarer varieties. It serves as a focused supplement to the broader VAM (Van Allen-Mallis) system, which remains the definitive framework for cataloging this series.

The design of the guide reflects Van Allen's technical approach to numismatic scholarship, prioritizing high-contrast photographic documentation and precise descriptive measurements. By codifying these specific diagnostic markers, Van Allen sought to transition the identification of Morgan varieties from subjective guesswork to a rigorous, repeatable scientific process. The work is widely regarded by hobbyists and professional graders as an essential reference for authenticating and attributing coins that exhibit the unique die states characteristic of the late 19th and early 20th-century minting process.