| Showing All VAMquest Auction lots (1 to 40) |
| Lot Image |
Lot Name (Lot #)
Description |
Price Realized* |
 | 1878 7-TF Rev of '79 VAM 224 PCGS AU53 (Lot 32007)
The 1878-P 7-TF Rev79 set is starting to draw more interest, now that there is an attribution guide to help identify the rarer varieties. And one of the more interesting ones is the VAM 224, which was struck with a “special” collar having only 168 reeds. It’s still a bit of a mystery, but the fact remains that this unusual variety, which can easily be identified even in a sealed slab, is gaining in popularity. Included in the Hit List 40, this is the first time we’ve offered the VAM 224 in one of our auctions, and we’re pleased that this attractive specimen is more than solid for the grade. |
$157.50 |
 | 1878 7-TF Rev79 VAM 203 PCGS MS63 (Lot 37007)
Even though collecting the 1878-P VAMs with the so-called “C” Reverse hasn’t really taken off yet, the Reverse of ’79 Set represents a fascinating group of coins. Three made it into the original TOP 100 listings, none was included in the HOT 50, and four can be found in the latest Hit List 40. The “Short Leaf” VAM 203 is one of the three TOP 100 varieties, and is widely collected. Here we offer an example with bright luster and slightly reflective surfaces. And consider this: The minimum reserve is less than ten dollars more than the listing in the Greysheet for a non-variety! |
$168.75 |
 | 1878 7-TF Rev79 VAM 203 PCGS MS64 (Lot 28009)
It’s hard to scoff at TOP 100 varieties in PCGS holders that grade MS64, especially when an MS65 would cost a small fortune. So this 1878-P Reverse of ’79 VAM 203 is well worth considering. Wonderful surfaces with creamy white luster are the first thing you observe, when you hold this coin. Next, you become aware of its strong eye appeal. And finally, when you turn the coin over, you see the reverse is basically flawless. This may be the finest VAM 203 we’ve seen, even counting the one MS65 we’ve handled! |
$450.00 |
 | 1878 7-TF Rev79 VAM 220 PCGS AU55 (Lot 37008)
High on the Want List of most VAM collectors is the 1878 7TF Reverse of ’79 VAM 220. It has just about everything going for it, including incredible rarity, a phenomenal tripled die variety feature, wide-spread popularity and sizable premiums in every grade. But it’s above the XF45 level where the men are separated from the boys! In Mint State, PCGS has graded just two MS61’s and two MS62’s. And that’s it! That’s why VAMVIEW lists the VAM 220 at in AU50 at $400. As for the specimen here, it’s everything you could want in a Choice AU. In fact, this lustrous beauty is the kind of example that used to be sold as “UNC.” |
$281.25 |
 | 1878 7-TF Rev79 VAM 221 PCGS MS63 (Lot 15003)
Generally speaking, there are four different Reverse Types for silver dollars struck in 1878. Namely, there is the 8-TF Reverse, the so-called 7/8-TF Reverse, the 7-TF Reverse with flat breast “B” Reverse, and the 7-TF with raised, round breast “C” Reverse. This last Reverse Type, often called the “Reverse of ’79,” is the one offered here. And best of all, this is a PCGS high grade example with outstanding luster. |
$157.50 |
 | 1878 7-TF Rev79 VAM 227-1 PCGS XF45 (Lot 31004)
There are a few varieties in the new Hit List 40 that are basically unknown in Mint State, and this 1878-P Reverse of ’79 VAM 227-1 is one of them. Normally, we wouldn’t get too excited about an XF specimen of any variety, but this PCGS XF45 is one rare bird! The PCGS population summary tells the story: There hasn’t been a single BU specimen slabbed, and only a total of 8 circ’s have made it into holders, the highest grading only AU, followed by 6 XF’s and 1 VF. And that’s it! So technically, this XF45 is currently tied for second finest. How’s that for anyone putting together a PCGS Registry Set! |
$444.38 |
 | 1878 7-TF VAM 100 PCGS MS62 (Lot 14005)
This TOP 100 variety is particularly interesting because it is the only 7-TF variety with an 8-TF Type I obverse. For attribution purposes, the tops of the letters in E PLURIBUS UNUM on the obverse show clear doubling toward the rim. There are other diagnostics, as well, but this feature is considered the key identifier. As for the grade, if this specimen were broken out of its holder, it would undoubtedly be sold as an MS63 or MS64 at any coin show. The luster is super and the overall look is extremely high grade. And conservative grading by PCGS adds to its charm. |
$78.75 |
 | 1878 7-TF VAM 113 ANACS MS63 (Lot 8010)
For those who are attempting to put together a complete 7-TF Set, the VAM 113 often results in a dilemma. It is currently obtainable in VF up through AU circulated grades, but it is rarely available in strict BU grades. That’s why this specimen is so special! And MS63 is basically top-of-the-line. |
$129.38 |
 | 1878 7-TF VAM 114A PCGS MS63 (Lot 29010)
This cataloger is doing research on the 1878 7-TF VAM 114A, a seemingly common variety that’s part of the 7-TF set. However, it seems that what the VAM hobby is calling the VAM 114 and the VAM 114A are actually two different die pairs. In any case, this is the die stage that shows an amazing grouping of clash marks above the eagle’s left wing (viewer’s right) and a strong mark at the inside of the right wreath. This coin is all white with solid luster. |
$106.88 |
 | 1878 7-TF VAM 122 ANACS AU55 (Lot OD018)
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.
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$151.88 |
 | 1878 7-TF VAM 130C-1 NGC MS64 (Lot 28006)
Within the past couple of years, putting together an 1878 7-TF Set has become a passion for lots of VAM collectors. And we expect the trend to continue. The coin offered here is the VAM 130C-1. This NGC MS64 specimen, which was originally in Paul Pierce’s collection, was part of the consignor’s high grade set. Outstanding in every way, this example displays a frosty cheek and a minimum of marks. |
$167.63 |
 | 1878 7-TF VAM 131 ANACS MS62 (Lot 11006)
Van Allen cataloged the one known 1878 7-TF Proof die pair as the VAM 131, but there are a number of different VAM 131 sub-varieties, including the VAM 131, 131A, 131B and 131C. The beautiful specimen offered here is a VAM 131, with blazing luster that’s far above average for this variety. |
$39.38 |
 | 1878 7-TF VAM 141 PCGS MS63 (Lot 31003)
The 1878 7-TF VAM 141 has everything going for it! It has an amazing variety feature, with some of the strongest doubling on the second star to the right of the date in the entire Morgan dollar series. It is part of the Top 100 listings, and as such, is included in both the PCGS Top 100 Registry, as well as the PCGS 7-TF Registry. And because of all this, it’s highly sought-after by specialists. Best of all, this blazing white specimen is extremely attractive, with excellent detail and creamy mint frost. |
$175.50 |
 | 1878 7-TF VAM 142 ANACS MS63 (Lot 8013)
This 1878 7-TF variety has what is known as a B2-b Reverse, which simply means the “R” in TRUST is full, but the “O” in God is broken. VAMs 140 up to VAM 146 all have this reverse. The VAM 142 is interesting because the obverse is a nice doubled die. In any case, there is a run on MS63 7-TF varieties, since so many are unknown in the higher BU grades. This example is particularly desirable. |
$106.88 |
 | 1878 7-TF VAM 146 PCGS MS64 (Lot 8014)
The VAM 146, which also has a B2-b reverse, can easily be identified by the diagonal line running across “ER” in LIBERTY. Grade is important, and the VAM 146, like most 7-TF varieties, is seldom encountered in PCGS MS64 holders. (Greysheet is around $200 for any unslabbed 7-TF in MS64.) This specimen has very few marks and outstanding luster, which combine to make this an exciting VAMquest offering. |
$185.63 |
 | 1878 7-TF VAM 169 PCGS MS62 (Lot 15002)
The VAM 169 has everything going for it, starting with quadrupled stars on the obverse. Such a variety feature is quite unusual in the Morgan dollar series. Furthermore, the VAM 169 is a true rarity in BU. Indeed, it’s quite scarce in grades up through AU and it becomes almost impossible to find in true Mint State. This HOT 50 specimen shows bright luster and is exceedingly attractive. |
$619.88 |
 | 1878 7-TF VAM 171 PCGS MS62 (Lot 14006)
The 1878 7-TF VAM 171 is one of the superstars of the TOP 100 set. It was considered quite rare when the original TOP 100 book was written and it has remained a rarity in the 7-TF set. But there’s more to the VAM 171 than just its rarity. The obverse die is tripled, with the three distinct notches on the lower left serif of “R” in PLURIBUS. In fact, much of Liberty’s head-dress shows strong doubling. And guess how many specimens have been graded by PCGS in MS63 or better? The answer is a total of only three! This lustrous coin is condition census and would be one of the centerpieces of any 7-TF set. |
$704.25 |
 | 1878 7-TF VAM 185A ANACS MS61 (Lot 14007)
In anticipation of the release of the 7-TF Attribution Guide, it seems that every 7-TF specimen that enters the marketplace is being gobbled up. This heavy demand is particularly evident in Mint State grades. The VAM 185 offered here is a VAM 185A, which is one of the known sub-varieties. Called the “Spike Above Eyelid” variety, this specimen is a no-question Unc, which is quite attractive and is conservatively graded. |
$91.13 |
 | 1878 7-TF VAM 188 ANACS AU53 (Lot 28008)
The 1878-P VAM 188, besides being one of the scarcer 7-TF varieties, is now part of the newly released Hit List 40. As a result, it’s receiving even more collector attention. And because so few BU examples are known, this Choice AU example is especially sought-after. The surfaces here are quite nice for the grade, the strike is solid and the luster is excellent. |
$145.13 |
 | 1878 7-TF VAM 197 PCGS MS62 (Lot 29011)
The 1878 7-TF VAM 197 is interesting for the fact that this particular obverse is shared with the more recently discovered VAM 134. Neither is ultra-rare, but the VAM 197 can be surprisingly hard to find. The example offered here has a white, frosty obverse and a heavily toned reverse that’s hard to photograph. Originally from a Michael Fey/RCI Auction. |
$84.38 |
 | 1878 7-TF VAM 70 NGC MS63 DMPL (Lot 27011)
Whenever variety collectors first look at the extremely strong doubling on the “RIB” of PLURIBUS – most are instantly hooked on the 1878-P VAM 70! And not only is the variety, itself, breath-taking, this particular specimen is especially attractive. There’s heavy luster on Liberty’s cheek, the mirrors are amazing, and the coin makes serious claims for a much higher grade. No doubt, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to find a much better specimen! |
$438.75 |
 | 1878 7-TF VAM 79 PCGS MS61 (Lot 29008)
Here is our favorite 1878 7-TF variety with B1 (Long Nock) reverse, the VAM 79. As a HOT 50 coin, it is as rare as the VAM 70 (a TOP 100 coin), and many specialists actively pursue this variety. And that is where this under-graded specimen comes in. Even though the PCGS holder says MS61, more than a few dealers would call it an MS63. And the holder doesn’t mention the reflectivity on both obverse and reverse. This really attractive specimen was originally purchased for $150.00! |
$140.63 |
 | 1878 7-TF VAM 79 PCGS MS63 (Lot 34008)
The 1878 7TF VAM 79, with its connection to the popular 7/8TF set, has long been our favorite 7TF variety with a B1 Reverse. It’s scarce in all grades up to MS62, quite scarce in MS63, and rare above MS63. Yes, it generally doesn’t get the respect it deserves, but just try to locate an eye-catching PCGS MS63 example. Good luck! This all-white VAM 79 with its semi Proof-Like fields is an outstanding example of this seldom seen variety. |
$163.13 |
 | 1878 7-TF VAM 82 PCGS MS63 (Lot 33008)
1878 7TF varieties with the so-called B1 reverse enjoy a popularity all their own. Part of the allure may be the fact that all the 7/8TF VAMs have this “Long Nock” reverse and the 1878-S varieties with this B1 reverse are the key VAMs of that date. In any case, VAMs 70 through 84 enjoy widespread popularity as part of the PCGS Registry. The VAM 82 example offered here is PQ for the grade, with its white surfaces and frosty design details. |
$95.63 |
 | 1878 7-TF VAM 83 PCGS MS62 (Lot 33009)
The 1878 7TF VAM 83 is interesting for the fact that the “1” in the date has been punched into the die too high relative to the other digits. That doesn’t make it an ultra-rare variety, but it’s enough to catch the eye for attribution purposes. This attractive specimen, with its super luster on both sides, would in our opinion be sold as a raw MS63 at most coin shows across the country. |
$78.75 |
 | 1878 7-TF VAM 84 PCGS MS63 (Lot 37004)
If there ever was a nice 1878-P 7TF specimen that was priced right, this may be the one! No, the variety itself is not a major rarity, but this attractive VAM 84 is certainly offered at the right price! You do the math: The PCGS slab is at least $18 plus the variety attribution on the holder is an additional $24. Add in postage and the bullion value of any low-grade raw silver dollar, and you have about $75. Well, this coin isn’t just a low grade bullion item -- it’s a desirable 7TF specimen with B1 Reverse in PCGS MS63, and the Minimum Reserve is $10! |
$115.62 |
 | 1878 7-TF VAM 84(A) PCGS MS63 (Lot 28005)
As was just stated in the last lot description, 1878 7-TF varieties with a B1 reverse enjoy a popularity all their own. In this light we often find it hard to pass up a B1 variety in a PCGS MS63 holder, and many other specialists would agree. Strong detail and super luster just begin to describe this eye-catcher, and its faint “E” clash on the reverse is a bonus. Although it’s not ultra-rare, it’s certainly top drawer quality. |
$106.88 |
 | 1878 7/8-TF VAM 20 PCGS MS62 (Lot 8006)
PCGS was brutal when they graded this gorgeous specimen. In our opinion, if this were a raw coin at your local coin show, you’d expect to pay MS64 money for it! Anyway, we consider the VAM 20 variety the “sleeper” of the A2/Ax portion of the 8-TF set, and it’s highly desirable from a collecting standpoint. Want the best MS62 VAM 20 money can buy? This frosty PCGS specimen may be it! |
$365.63 |
 | 1878 7/8-TF VAM 30 PCGS MS62 (Lot 33005)
When is a 7/8TF variety not a 7/8TF variety? To PCGS, any 7/8TF VAM without extra tail-feather tips visible on the reverse is considered a 7TF specimen. Although they may be wrong, that’s what much of the collecting public has been conditioned to think, and they labeled this VAM 30 as a 7TF. In terms of price, note that the Reserve on this coin is about the price of the PCGS holder, label and shipping. |
$93.38 |
 | 1878 7/8-TF VAM 31 PCGS MS62 (Lot 28002)
Dramatic variety features go a long way in creating strong demand for individual VAMs, and a case in point is the 1878-P VAM 31. This variety displays a series of spectacular polishing lines that run across the eagle’s right leg on the reverse. In fact, there is nothing else quite like it in the Morgan dollar series! At arm’s length, this white, lustrous coin looks like a solid MS63 or 64, but PCGS put it in an MS62 holder. Grading conservatively is one thing, but this one is surprising! In any case, at MS62 we can unequivocally guarantee that any buyer will love this coin. |
$84.38 |
 | 1878 7/8-TF VAM 37 PCGS MS64 (Lot OD329)
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! |
$337.50 |
 | 1878 7/8-TF VAM 39 ANACS MS63 (Lot 8007)
The VAM 39 may be the most under-rated of the known 7/8-TF (strong) varieties. In fact, a coin such as this would be an “upgrade” for just about every VAM collection. This variety is seldom encountered, and when found, often has problems or is heavily bagmarked. That’s why the specimen offered here is such a breath of fresh air. As for the variety, the VAM 39 exhibits five extra bold TF tips on the reverse, and is a “Strong” 7/8-TF variety in the parlance of PCGS. This VAM 39 is also heavily clashed, so Van Allen would call it a VAM 39A. Overall, this wonderful example is everything a collector could want in an MS63. |
$343.13 |
 | 1878 7/8-TF VAM 39(A) PCGS MS63 (Lot 31002)
Every aspect of the 1878 7/8-TF VAM 39 offered here is attractive. Hand-picked, this specimen displays lots of eye appeal, with a hint of golden brown toning around the periphery to set off the frosty white luster on the central design. Scarce and desirable as a Hit List 40 variety, this high-end PCGS MS63 would be quite difficult to improve upon, and is most likely destined for a top Registry Set. [Note: VAMVIEW lists an MS63 at $650!] |
$275.63 |
 | 1878 7/8-TF VAM 41(B) PCGS MS63 (Lot 27009)
VAM 41B is the clashed version of the 1878 7/8TF VAM 41, and both show the best set of extra tail-feather tips of any 7/8TF variety. That’s why Wayne Miller’s legendary Morgan dollar set from the 1980’s had only on e Morgan dollar variety in it, a 7/8TF VAM 41! The VAM 41(B) offered here is tied for 10th best in the PCGS Registry, and while there’s contact on Liberty’s cheek consistent with the grade, this very scarce specimen is solid for PCGS MS63. |
$337.50 |
 | 1878 7/8-TF VAM 41C NGC MS64 (Lot OD352)
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.) |
$393.75 |
 | 1878 7/8-TF VAM 42 NGC MS63 (Lot 15001)
Only two so-called 7/8-TF varieties show all seven of the underlying tail-feather tips on the eagle, the VAM 41 and this variety, the VAM 42. The VAM 41 was included in the TOP 100 listings, and the VAM 42 is an important part of the HOT 50. What’s exciting here is the fact that this coin is in a premium MS63 holder. Most collectors don’t realize that true MS64 examples are rarely available and prohibitively expensive, so NGC MS63 is near top-of-the-line and super desirable. |
$348.75 |
 | 1878 7/8-TF VAM 42(A) NGC MS63 (Lot 9009)
It’s hard to resist a 7/8-TF variety with a full row of extra TF tips under the eagle’s tail-feathers on the reverse. That’s why PCGS puts “Strong” on its labels to identify varieties like this. And the NGC label for this coin says “VAM 42 7/7 TF” meaning there are 7 extra TF tips visible below the eagle’s TFs, which is the maximum number possible. And for you die state fanatics, it’s also worth mentioning that there are amazing die cracks that run around the periphery on the reverse that are simply incredible. What about grade? This PQ coin, with its nice detail lustrous surfaces, fits nicely at the top end of the MS63 grade. |
$225.00 |
 | 1878 7/8-TF VAM 42(A) PCI MS62 (Lot 12012)
This no-question Brilliant Uncirculated example of the VAM 42 was graded MS62 because of contact marks on the obverse. But it’s otherwise a respectable specimen of this popular 7/8-TF variety. The VAM 42 shows a whole second row of extra TF tips and is therefore included in the PCGS “Strong 7/8TF” category. This example shows a strong clash on the obverse (don’t they all!), and is currently attributed as a VAM 42A. Priced to sell. |
$146.25 |
 | 1878 7/8-TF VAM 43 PCGS MS63 DMPL (Lot 27010)
Continuing our run of truly extraordinary 7/8-TF varieties, this 1878-P VAM 43 represents the first time we’ve offered one in PCGS MS63 DMPL. Of course, it’s not surprising we haven’t had one before, since you’d be more likely to be hit by a meteorite, than find one in this condition. The mirrors here are so deep, that in the “old days” this was called “Ultra-Deep-Mirror-Proof-like.” PCGS graded this particular MS63 DMPL twice, since the holder broke in the mail, and it had to be re-submitted. But it came back the same grade both times! |
$900.00 |
| 1-40 | 41-80 | 81-120 | 121-160 | 161-200 | 201-240 | 241-280 | 281-320 | 321-360 | 361-400 | 401-440 | 441-480 | 481-520 | 521-560 | 561-600 | 601-640 | 641-680 | 681-720 | 721-760 | 761-800 | 801-840 | 841-880 | 881-920 | 921-960 | 961-1000 | 1001-1040 | 1041-1080 | 1081-1120 | 1121-1135 | |
*Price includes the buyers premium.
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