VAMquest.com: The Premier Morgan Dollar and Peace Dollar Auction.

The 1887-O VAM 3 7/6 is an integral part of any Morgan dollar set, whether the focus is on VAMs or not. It turns out that most of these went into circulation in 1887, so BU specimens are few and far between. Indeed, this Greysheet variety is listed at $140 in AU, $315 in MS60 and $23,000 in MS65! Also worth mentioning is its excellent luster, an attribute which is seldom encountered on this overdate.

The 1887-S VAM 4 with strongly Repunched Date is one of this cataloger’s favorite varieties. It is the often overlooked counterpart to the 1887-O VAM 2, and was included in the HOT 50, because it just couldn’t be left out! In any case, the VAM 4 doubled date feature is eye-popping under a loupe. The lustrous specimen here is particularly attractive, in addition to being PCGS registry ready.

The PCGS label says it all: “HOT 50 – PCGS MS62 – VAM 4 – Doubled Reverse.” This is the first time we’ve offered one of these and it’s a beauty! Booming luster and nice detail accentuate its appeal. Interestingly, this is the first time we’ve had one of these HOT 50 VAM 4 varieties to offer for sale in our auctions.

One of the few Greysheet listed VAMs, the 1900-O/CC varieties are popular with just about everybody, whether you’re a VAM specialist or not. As an added plus, this is the interesting late die state with evidence of die clashing on both sides of the coin and die cracks on Liberty’s bonnet. (One crack runs vertically along the back of the cap and another cuts across the tiara.) This clashed MS60, which is a no-question Mint State coin, may well be undergraded, and would fit nicely into a fine VAM set. Full luster.

Yes, we know that the 21-P VAM 41 is not a rare coin. But it’s decidedly scarce in MS63 or above, particularly in PCGS holders. PCGS holds to a higher standard on these, and few of these make it to the top. What’s great about the VAM 41, which was originally designated the VAM 1A, is the extent of the doubling on the lower reverse. There’s nothing quite like it in the Morgan or Peace dollar series. In terms of condition, there are some extraneous marks, but the luster and “look” of the coin was impressive enough to PCGS to call it MS63. We agree – it’s a jewel!

If you’re an overdate collector, you already know the desirability of the 1880-P VAM 7 “Crossbar” variety. In fact, it’s a big-time event whenever one is found at a coin show! This variety has everything going for it, beginning with the fact that its overdate feature actually looks like an overdate. Indeed, the crossbar inside the second “8” is clear and dramatic. (No faint markings here that require high magnification to see!) Add in the fact that the VAM 7 is rare in all grades and still unknown in Mint State, and you have the prescription for a truly high power VAM. Did we mention that this ultra-rarity is already in a PCGS holder AU50!

1890-O is an incredibly undervalued coin in higher grades. And while it’s encountered in lower Uncirculated levels, the population thins out dramatically in correctly graded MS63’s and MS64’s. The Greysheet lists MS65 at $1050! This specimen was hand-picked out of more than a roll quantity of 1890-O coins, and it’s one of the finer specimens we’ve seen. PCGS didn’t want to go MS65, but a case could be made that the “look” of the coin is GEM BU MS65. Outstanding luster and almost no marks make this one a PCGS monster!

As a date, 1921 has provided a treasure trove of interesting varieties. Indeed, a quick perusal of the VAM Book will supply a 1921 Hit List that will keep you busy for years. Here we offer an unusual variety, the VAM 3A with “Spiked Tail Feather” reverse. This dramatic die gouge is part of a three die state sequence. The VAM 3A-2 is the second state, which is characterized by a lump of metal on top of the “R” in DOLLAR. Van Allen assigned it an R-6 rarity rating, and it’s seldom encountered. And what about the coin, itself? It has extraordinary frost and is conservatively graded at MS63.

Think about it. When was the last time you saw another VAM 122? Certainly not in a great while! The 1878 7-TF Set contains many interesting varieties, but few are scarcer than the VAM 122, with its diagnostic doubling above the “R” of PLURIBUS. How rare is it? Coins that grade AU are rare, and BU specimens either do not exist or are so elusive as to be unknown. In twenty-five years, we don’t recall ever seeing a BU VAM 122 offered for sale. This lustrous specimen should fill an important slot in the collection of the lucky buyer.

VAM 14-2 can be found in at least two important die states. The first is the ultra-rare Deep Mirror Proof-Like, which of course represents the first strikes. The late die state shows two-clashes with a spectacular die crack running all the way down from the back of Liberty’s bonnet into the field and down into the hair above the right fourth star. This specimen is the late die state variety. Bright luster, smooth cheek, and nice eye appeal make this one a solid Late Die State MS63.

The 1886-S/S VAM 2 is one of the few TOP 100 varieties that haven’t made it to the radar screens of collectors. Indeed, mention of the 86-S VAM 2 rarely comes up, even though the variety is quite scarce, 86-S is a great date, and the S/S Repunched Mintmark is outstanding! Even so, here is an example of this under-appreciated VAM that’s sure to thrill the buyer. Grading MS62, this VAM 2 has great luster, a solid strike and lots of eye appeal. Did we mention it’s in a PCGS holder!

The 1887-P “7/6” VAM 2 overdate doesn’t get much respect in lower grades, even though it is much scarcer in circulated condition than most collectors realize. Just go out and try to find a slabbed XF40, and you probably won’t come up with a single specimen in any circulated grade. In fact, it would probably be easier to locate an 88-O “Hot Lips” specimen! That said, here is a slabbed “7/6” overdate that’s an arm’s length AU50 and is so inexpensive that it’s easy to say it’s “too cheap!”

There are three primary 1882-O/S “over-mintmark” varieties, VAMs 3, 4 and 5. All are common in circulated grades up through XF. They then become somewhat scarcer in AU and finally reach rarity status in Mint State. (Collectors are often surprised to learn that this variety is $22,000 in MS65!) Here we have a no-question BU coin. That’s important because today many of the BU’s offered for sale are actually AU coins. This example has the contact typical of most O/S varieties, but the luster is outstanding and the reverse “looks like a million bucks!” In the Greysheet, MS60, which is one grade below this, is $185.

Here’s another TOP 50 variety in a grade that is seldom encountered. The famous “Whisker Jaw” variety, so named for the Die Break that forms at the junction of Liberty’s jaw and neck, is wildly popular in today’s market. Why? The Die Break is so prominent that it can be seen by the naked eye. Adding to its appeal, this example resides in an ANACS MS64 holder, which is a “killer” grade for the variety. Destined for a top collection!

There was simply no way to capture the incredible luster of this coin in a photo, and what appears as a crescent of brown toning on the obverse actually has eye-catching hues of green and gold, when tilted in the light. With no significant marks, this coin lives up to the moniker, Gem BU.

It’s been our experience that 1882-O/S specimens can be obtained in circulated condition without too much effort. It’s been that way for decades. However, the minute we’re talking about Mint State examples, the population immediately thins out. Look no further than the Greysheet, where the price of an AU is listed at $85, MS60 is $185 and MS63 is $850! This specimen has full luster and would have been sold as MS63 in yesterday’s marketplace!

You don’t see these often, and never in this lofty state of preservation! Indeed, here’s a big-time coin that is one of the keys to the entire TOP 100 set. And in terms of rarity, the 1878-P VAM 32 is right behind the VAM 44 “King of VAMs” in the ever popular 7/8-TF set. Best of all, this specimen isn’t in just any grade, but it’s in a slabbed MS64 DMPL holder! The price of any non-variety 7/8TF specimen in 64 DMPL is most often in the $5000 range, with a Greysheet listed value of $4850. So, what does this exciting variety add to its value????

Any TOP 100 coin in a PCGS MS63 holder is a hot item these days. In fact, they often bring mind-boggling prices on EBay! And so it is with the 1921-P VAM 41. No, it’s not an ultra-rare coin, but it has an amazing variety feature going for it. One look at the massive pitting on the lower reverse, and it’s clear why it had to be included in the original TOP 100 listings. Of note is the fact that 1921-P as a date is often difficult to get into slabs. But here is a PCGS MS63 for your consideration.

Here’s a killer coin in a killer grade! The ultra-popular 1890-CC “Tailbar” is all the rage with both VAM collectors and non variety collectors, alike. Why? The huge die gouge feature running between the tail-feathers and the wreath on the lower reverse is the stuff of dreams. It’s bold and dramatic, and it gets instant recognition. No wonder pricing guides list the base price of an MS63 “Tailbar” at $3500. And the gorgeous example here is not just any MS63. No, it’s in a PCGS MS63 slab! How rare is the “Tailbar” in this grade? Listen to this: PCGS has currently graded only three MS63 specimens and only one MS64. That’s it!!!! Rarity and Beauty are a divine combination!

We’ll bet you haven’t seen many 1886-P VAM 1C specimens that grade MS64 in a PCGS slab. The variety, itself, is obtainable in MS62 or MS63, but MS64 is a much better grade for this HOT 50 variety. This example has dramatic golden brown toning that accents the creamy surfaces. It’s hard to capture in a photo, but it would be almost impossible to improve upon this one! Registry ready.

There are several “sleeper” varieties in the HOT 50 listings, and one of these is the 1884-O/O VAM 25. But when was the last time you saw one? In addition to its Repunched Mintmark, this variety shows the tops of “188-“ in the denticles! That makes it one of the few Misplaced Date varieties listed in the TOP 100 and HOT 50. Best of all, this scarce specimen is in an MS62 PCGS holder. Conservatively graded and under-valued.

If you are a Clashed Die collector like I am, and you salivate over "E on Reverse" varieties, then here is an example of the 1878 VAM 84A to take aim at. Sure, the unclashed VAM 84 is as common as dirt, but the faint partial "E" on the reverse makes all the difference. Here, Liberty's cheek is so smooth that this example would easily find itself in someone else's MS64 holder! Indeed, this VAM 84A is a lustrous specimen that's incredible for the grade, and best of all, it's already in a PCGS MS63 holder!

1888-P is an interesting date with its array of doubled die reverses. All are a part of the HOT 50 listings. Worth noting, this spectacular VAM 4 example is in a PCGS holder with the attribution on the label. The cost of that alone is more than $40. Plus you’re dealing with a premium coin. In any case, this should be an exciting coin to a lot of collectors.

1878 was, of course, the first year of silver dollar production at the Carson City Branch Mint, and generally speaking, the quality of the struck coins was quite high. And so it is with this gorgeous specimen. In terms of attribution, the widely spaced “CC” mintmark makes this a VAM 8. Proof-Like fields add to the allure here, along with a well-defined strike and white, attractive devices. Rare and desirable.

For those who love spectacular Repunched Dates, where the digits in the date show extraordinary doubling, here is the TOP 100 variety for you. The VAM 7 is the only 1899-S variety included in either the TOP 100 or HOT 50 listings, but it is an important one. Remnants of the underlying “9’s” under the two “9’s” of the date are quite extraordinary, and Van Allen gave this variety an R-5 rarity rating, back when such a rating indicated an extreme rarity. The condition of this coin is simply marvelous, with super luster, few if any significant marks and the “look” of a Gem BU. Top-of-the-line!

There are several eye-popping doubled die reverses in the Peace dollar series, and the VAM 2 is among the best. This popular variety shows strongly doubled leaves on the reverse, and in MS64 has been selling on EBay for $175-$225. Although this coin is a bit grungy, NGC liked it enough to grade it MS64, which puts it near the top of the grading ladder. In any case, the Reserve Bid of $100 is certainly a bargain!

The holder says “VAM 1D” but the Van Allen supplement indicates that the variety has now been incorporated into VAM 30. However, there may be changes even after that. In any case, a collector who wants to sort this out may find a coin with light pitting under the arrowheads interesting. And while this specimen is in an AU53 ANACS holder, there are enough “hits” and contact marks to make that grade questionable in our minds. So, we suggested a Minimum Bid of about bullion melt value plus the cost of the slab, and the consignor agreed.

This breath-taking 1878 7/8TF VAM 30 starts a run of spectacular 7/8TF varieties that are rarely, if ever, seen in these grades. The VAM 30 offered here, like the next lot, has a peripheral band of golden brown toning that serves to accent the coin’s incredible eye appeal. Want one of the finest known specimens of this popular 7/8TF variety? Well, here’s the opportunity! Indeed, it would be hard to find a better specimen than this one, with its deep mirrors on both sides and its lustrous devices! (Note: After a series of price increases, the Greysheet price is now $1600 for any non-variety 7TF MS64 DMPL.)

Talk about “good looks.” This 1878 7/8TF VAM 31 would certainly be one of the more dazzling coins in anyone’s collection! The golden brown toning around the periphery highlights the frosty white devices and the smooth lustrous fields. And the resulting eye appeal is simply amazing! That said, the VAM 3 itself is special. It is not ultra-rare in grades up through MS63, but in NGC MS64 this “Doubled Legs” variety is top-of-the-line!

It’s hard for this cataloger to say anything good about an 1891-CC “Spitting Eagle” specimen. As I like to say, it’s as “common as dirt!” Even so, the VAM 3 brings a premium in the marketplace today. And more importantly, as a date, the 1891-CC (like all CC dollars) have become expensive coins, due to their low original mintages and mass popularity. So, any NGC MS63 1891-CC, with its Wild West mystique, has lots of appeal. In this case, the specimen is particularly frosty, with white surfaces and a smooth cheek on Liberty. Outstanding.

Talk about a high grade! This cataloger looked for years to find a VAM 40 in MS63 DMPL, and finally had to settle for an MS63 PL. Here, the contrast between the field and the devices is excellent, and the variety detail is needle-sharp. And tilt this silver dollar under a light, and the mirrors jump off the surface! In today’s marketplace, this specimen is lots of coin for the money!

A few of the varieties known as “Misplaced Dates” are widely sought-after, and the 1884-O VAM 25 is one of them. Why? In order to complete a TOP 100 + HOT 50 Registry Set, a high grade VAM 25 specimen is required. And here, the grade is so conservative that 3 out of 4 collectors would undoubtedly say this coin grades MS64 or MS65. The cheek, which is pure white, has few, if any, significant marks, and the rest of the coin is amazingly frosty and pristine.

Years ago, the 1878 7-TF varieties with B1 Reverse would hardly get a second glance, but since PCGS lists them separately in their Registry, collectors have started to focus on the B1 Set. And what better way to get one’s feet wet than to acquire an MS64 DMPL specimen! The mirrors on this VAM 83 are exceedingly deep, Liberty is white and frosty, and the contrast is second to none. And oh yes, there are hardly any marks on this example. To sum things up, this 7-TF specimen is at the top of the ladder in terms of quality. For a hint of its value, check out the current Greysheet.

ANACS did the hobby a favor in the 1990’s when they put Obverse PL and Obverse DMPL designations on their labels. As all 8-TF specialists know, this particular set is filled with one-sided PLs and DMPLs. In any case, one look at the front of this coin and you’ll fall in love with the mirror-like fields that are so deep you could shave in them. And they’re almost mark free as well. This is one incredible coin!

This is the kind of coin that VAMquest Auctions is especially proud to offer! Seen one of these lately? Probably not. The legendary 1878 7/8TF VAM 32 is right behind the VAM 44 in terms of rarity in the 7/8TF Set. And few collectors, even advance specialists, have ever seen a VAM 32 specimen grading MS64 Proof-like. This example displays excellent luster and detail, has a smooth cheek on Liberty, and is exceedingly attractive. This best-of-the-best is one of the highlights of the sale!

The first thing to consider about this overdate is that 1880-O is a better date in strictly BU condition. How much better? In MS65, four grading-steps above MS61, any 1880-O specimen is worth $17,850 according to the Greysheet listings! As for the overdate, VAMs 6, 6A, 6C and 49 all share this “8/7 Spike” feature. This specimen, which has an unusually clean cheek for the date, has eye appeal far in excess of the printed grade on the label.

The 1923-P VAM 1N is an unusual offering. It displays a series of surface die gouges on the obverse below the “G” and the “D” of the Motto, IN GOD WE TRUST. And there’s also a single diagonal die gouge in the rays below the “E” in LIBERTY. Identifying this scarce variety, to which Van Allen has given an R-6 rarity rating, is not the problem. Finding one is the major difficulty. Smooth surfaces make the MS62 grade a judgment call, as this specimen could easily grade anywhere from MS62 to MS64. Lots of eye appeal.

Any 1900-S in slabbed MS63 condition captures the attention of collector/investors. But an MS63 with Proof-Like surfaces is a “show-stopper!” The Greysheet lists a straight MS63 at $310 Bid /$340 Ask. And PL surfaces are rare on a 1900-S. How rare? The Greysheet value for an MS63 DMPL is listed at $2,800! The photo of this MS63 Proof-Like specimen doesn’t do it justice. In person, it’s a killer!

The 1901-P VAM 5, with its doubled ear and doubled eyelid, is a “big-time” Morgan dollar variety. It’s rarely encountered, and when it is, it’s usually in the Fine to XF40 range. So, acquiring an attractive XF45 specimen in a PCGS holder is an important event. We are not aware of any Mint State examples, and higher grade, untoned specimens like this often bring huge premiums in today’s marketplace. Best of all, this VAM 5 is quite conservatively graded, and could easily reside in an AU50 holder, with its lustrous surfaces and excellent detail. In short, it would be difficult to find a VAM 5 specimen in a higher grade, and it probably wouldn’t look anywhere near as good!

We accepted this coin for one reason: We appreciate 1921-P, D & S coins in Choice MS64 condition. Why? The re-designed Morgan dollar motif in 1921 was terrible. The engraving was sloppy and the Mints were mandated to strike so many coins that dies were used long after they would have normally been retired. Poor quality control was the rule of the day, so few of the millions of coins would grade above MS63 today. This coin breaks the rule, as it has frosty surfaces and a much sharper strike than is normally found. Nice for the grade.

We would normally find it difficult to get excited about an MS61 VAM 2F, but this sparkling jewel is simply amazing. The luster is extraordinary, and while PCGS grades it MS61, this one is far superior to 90% of the VAM 2F’s we encounter. In fact, in the future we would not be surprised to see this specimen in another holder displaying a much higher grade. Not wanting to use hyperbole, let’s just say this VAM 2F is the finest MS61 in the world!

Having just returned from the Fall 2008 Long Beach Show, I can state that this attractive specimen is exactly what is currently being sold raw as MS63. It has the luster and the \\\\\"look\\\\\" of that grade, and this is precisely why coins in PCGS holders bring such large premiums. Splendid luster showcases this coin. Priced right, which about the cost of the PCGS slab!

Ah, the famous “Alligator Eye” variety! I’ve often said that the name is better than the VAM, itself. But here is an amazing high grade specimen that is one mark away from MS65! MS62-64 examples often bring shockingly high prices on EBay, and they are not nearly the equal of this one. Lots of eye appeal here.

For this One-A-Day Premier Auction, we present a PCGS MS61 example of the 1878 7/8TF VAM 44, the ultra-rare “King of VAMs.” Just how rare is the VAM 44 in PCGS MS61? The Professional Coin Grading Service has encapsulated a total of seven Mint State VAM 44’s, with the finest grading only MS62PL. So, the specimen offered here is near the top of the Condition Census. And talk about varieties you won’t find anywhere else, this lustrous, ultra-conservatively graded specimen is everything you’d want in a Mint State VAM 44 – super luster, sharp detail and incredible eye appeal. Although we don’t endorse “CAC,” the sticker on the slab indicates that the “graders who grade the graders” were just as impressed! And in terms of the price, one of the PCGS MS62’s sold for $21,000 last year!

It’s been said the 1878 7TF Reverse of ’79 varieties represent a new frontier for VAM specialists. Indeed, many collectors have shied away from the set, because they can be difficult to attribute, and the numbering system (VAM 228, 228A, 228-1, 228-2, etc.) is about as arcane as the Mayan pictograph language. That said, a new book has been released by Mark Witkower and this cataloger, which might improve their collectability. In any case, this particular variety, the “Short Leaf” VAM 203, was important enough to be part of the original TOP 100 listings, and is therefore already popular with collectors. This specimen has creamy, white luster covering both sides of the coin, and few marks of any kind. In fact, 9 out of 10 collectors would call this one a PQ MS64! Nice.

It’s safe to say that the vast majority of VAM collectors have never seen an 1880-P VAM 39A with its Clashed “E” Reverse in any grade, much less in PCGS AU58. Why? This variety is very scarce in grades up to XF40, is rare in XF45 to AU55 and is ultra-rare in AU58 and above. Furthermore, many of the known specimens simply can’t get into a PCGS holder, because the surfaces have been cleaned, or are otherwise impaired. Here is the exception. This consignor’s high grade coin is completely original, with excellent luster and white surfaces. Although significant contact is visible through a loop, this example has the “look” of a very attractive, Choice AU. And very few are better than this one.

If one were inclined to construct whimsical names for different silver dollar specimens, then this 1921-P with Retained Lamination might be labeled the “Broken Wing” specimen. This type of error is caused by impurities in the silver alloy, which when subjected to heat, separate and turn black during striking. In this case, the lamination started at the eagle’s neck and ran down along the junction of the right wing and body. Of course, each Mint Error such as this is unique, and that’s what makes them so interesting. Regarding the quality of the coin, this PCGS MS64 is rock-solid for the grade, with outstanding luster and strong detail for a 1921-P.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, in numismatics, a name can be worth a thousand words! Just say “Alligator Eye” and you’ll see a trail of interested collectors, even though the 1887-P VAM 12 certainly isn’t rare. That said, this NGC MS63 specimen is particularly nice, with semi Proof-Like surfaces, a frosty cheek and a reverse that’s even one or two grades higher.

Sometimes collectors like to acquire a specimen with some unusual attribute for reference purposes. And so it is here, with the date set as far to the left as any in the Morgan dollar series. In fact, the left side of the “1” is about as near to Liberty’s neck as it’s possible to get! But best of all is the state of preservation for this MS65 specimen. The coin has eye appeal, and smooth, lustrous surfaces which are beginning to tone.

Popularity for the TOP 50 Peace dollar varieties has literally exploded over the past decade, and nowhere is it more noticeable than at the top end of the market. In particular, the value of TOP 50 specimens in PCGS holders has taken off into the stratosphere. Part of this popularity may be the result of the PCGS Registry, which lists the finest sets of coins. In this light, it’s not surprising that the 1921 High Relief VAM 3 example offered here is something special. With dusky toning and excellent detail for a 1921, this “Line thru L” specimen may well be among the top examples known. Indeed, similar examples have sold for as much as $1750.

If it weren’t for the presence of the 1901-P VAM 3 “Shifted Eagle” variety, the 1901-P VAM 7 would be king! The doubling on the reverse is simply incredible, which is why it’s part of the newly released, HIT LIST 40. Based on the feedback we’ve received, many collectors are currently assembling sets, where the top available grade for the VAM 7 is AU. And considering the price of Mint State 1901-P specimens, PCGS AU53 is basically top-of-the-line for this rare variety. This desirable example displays solid luster and the high standards of a PCGS AU specimen.

Three numismatic experts (Adam Crum, Selby Ungar, and Jeff Oxman) chronicle the amazing history of the California Gold Rush, its effects on silver mining and the development of Nevada, and the birth of the Carson City Mint. They give the collector and investor a detailed insider\\\'s view of today\\\'s market for Carson City Morgan dollars, including VAM varieties and focusing especially on GSA-slabbed coins. Whether you collect by date/mintmark or by variety, this in-depth book will make you a more savvy buyer. Includes condition census, market notes, enlarged photographs, valuations, mintages, certification data, prooflike and DMPL coins, and more. 128 pages, hardcover, full color.

We begin VAMquest Auction #18 with a power-house 8TF variety, an NGC MS64 DMPL VAM 3! With a Greysheet value of $4160, it isn’t a coin for everybody, but it is an amazing specimen to behold. This spectacular VAM 3 has deep-mirrors and hardly a mark anywhere. Adding to its appeal, there’s a golden hue emanating from the obverse, and the reverse is mostly white. Indeed, after all is said and done, we’ll bet there isn’t anyone reading this description with a better 8TF VAM 3!

The 1886-P VAM 17 “Doubled Arrows” variety may not be my favorite TOP 100 coin, but in NGC MS66 PL it certainly moves up the list! In fact, this may the highest graded coin we’ve handled in a NGC or PCGS holder. So, we’re pleased to offer this amazing TOP 100 specimen, with its reflective surfaces and its smooth, frosty cheek on Liberty. VAMVIEW only goes up to MS65, where this one is $300. So, a super-attractive MS66 PL should be in a different universe!

Because all Morgan dollar dies were actually produced at the Philadelphia “Mother” Mint, any “blame” for Repunched Mintmarks must be attributed there. And this 1882-O/O mintmark is a doozy! The VAM 7 easily earned its way into the original TOP 100 with the underlying mintmark set out of position and far too low, so that the bottoms of two distinct mintmarks are clearly discernable. And best of all, this particular specimen is first rate, as Liberty’s cheek is creamy white and the obverse and reverse surfaces are semi Proof-Like. Premium Quality at its best!

This 1901-O VAM 1A consignment coin caught our attention with its Minimum Reserve of $85, while the latest VAMVIEW Pricing Index lists its value as $1000. We don’t know if that’s a misprint, or the coin is some kind of stealth monster. But Van Allen’s published supplement has it as a “Die Gouge in Ear, Clashed Obverse and Double 1.” All we can do is describe the coin, which has a smooth, clean cheek on Liberty and unusually lustrous surfaces. Regardless of the variety, this is a PQ PCGS MS64!

While the 1884-O VAM 7, which is characterized by its O/O Repunched mintmark, doesn’t cause much excitement among the collectors I know, the VAM 7A has its own appeal. Why? It shows an area of die rust around the “ED” of UNITED, which qualifies it as a Pitted Die variety. And this puts the VAM 7A in a different class. Although this specimen has some contact on the cheek and fields, the mirrors are impressive and overall, the coin is more than solid for the grade.

The 1878-P 7/8-TF set has gained a lot of popularity over the last decade. And of course, every collector who’s putting together a non-variety set of Morgan dollars needs one to complete his set, as well. The VAM 38 shows five distinct tail-feather tips under the primary set of seven, so this variety is sometimes referred to as a “7/5”-TF variety. The significance of five TFs is that PCGS labels it a “strong” 7/8, which often brings more money in the marketplace. A few marks here and there, but quite attractive and more than solid for the grade.

The quality of this 1904-O is undeniable, with its white, frosty surfaces on both obverse and reverse. Of course, collectors pay big premiums for PCGS MS64 coins, when they’re available. Why? Because they’re often the same coins that end up in someone else’s MS65 holders at three times the money! The super-attractive specimen offered here is a premium coin in every respect.

The 1882-CC VAM 2 die progression is one of the most interesting in the Morgan dollar series. To summarize, the VAM 2 has the top of a misplaced “1” digit under the first “8.” VAM 2A is the same, with the addition of clashing. VAM 2B has both effects removed from the dies. And VAM 2C is the counter-clashed version, where Liberty’s top lip and the back of her bonnet both show large die breaks. Each of these stages has a number of sub-stages, and the VAM 2C offered here is the 2nd counter-clashed sub-stage. Okay, if all of this is just too much, simply consider this attractive specimen as a fabulous example of the counter-clash VAM 2, one that has wonderful frosty surfaces and the “look” of a much higher grade.

At last, mintmark varieties are starting to get their day in the sun. By that, we mean that the values of 1888-O Oval Os, 1899-O Micro Os and 1903-S Micro S specimens have shot up over the past two or three years, and rightly so. Here we offer an 1888-O Oval O VAM 17 in a PCGS XF40 holder. The photo isn’t much to look at, but the coin is solid for XF40 or 45, and the PCGS holder makes it Registry ready.

Doubled Die varieties in most U.S. coin series rule the roost, but not so in the VAM world. Here, die breaks and other types of varieties get most of the attention. Even so, this 1888-P “Doubled Ear” VAM 11 is now firmly on the radar of collectors, and in particular, the late die state VAM 11A with its strong clashed dies has lots of followers. Here, golden toning around the periphery and super frosty surfaces set this example apart. Nice and original.

Any 1878 7/8-TF “Strong” variety in a PCGS MS64 holder is sought-after in today\\\\’s market. Why? It\\\\’s recognized as a marriage of quality and rarity that\\\\’s unbeatable, yet reasonably priced. Indeed, MS65 is more than double the price, so MS64 strikes an excellent balance, especially PQ coins that this. But what else would you expect in a PCGS MS64 holder!

VAM collecting has gotten a bit more technical over the years. The 1921-P VAM 3F is a case in point. This “Pitted Die” variety has been sought after for the light die pitting on the reverse. Then it was discovered that another variety (VAM 3K), which had a die gouge running across the base of the eagle’s right wing, is actually the early die state of VAM 3F, so the two were combined. And finally a third later die state was found, which displays denticle impressions. Whew! The ANACS label here says this coin is VAM 3F-3. It certainly is a very late die state, but I don’t see the denticle impressions. So, we’ll just call this one a VAM 3F, with light wear and good luster for the AU55 grade.

The 1878 7/8TF VAM 41C is a fascinating variety that began as the VAM 41A and later was assigned its own VAM number due to its amazing clash marks. In fact, the clashing on the obverse is so extraordinary that it was also included in Mark Kimpton’s “Super CD” listings. Note that the NGC label is wrong, but what else is new. And in terms of pricing, it’s worth noting that the latest VAMVIEW Price Guide doesn’t list anything higher than MS62 for this variety! (To further corroborate the grade, this NGC MS64 holder displays a green CAC sticker.)