| Winning Lots from Auction #11 |
| Lot Image |
Lot Name (Lot #)
Description |
Price Realized* |
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1878-P 8-TF VAM 14-1 ANACS MS64 (Lot 11001)
Attractive 8-TF specimens are getting harder and harder to find in today’s marketplace, and ever increasing Greysheet prices reflect this popularity. At last week’s Long Beach show, there were hardly any 8-TF examples better than MS62. The VAM 14-1 offered here is a PQ example that’s solid for MS64. Translucent golden-brown toning, nice surfaces and smooth luster add to its allure. |
$337.50 |
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1878-P 8-TF VAM 14-4 NGC MS64 (Lot 11002)
Whenever and wherever the 8-TF VAM 14-4 is offered for sale, it captures the attention of collectors. As an 8-TF variety, it is a legendary rarity in anything approaching MS64 and this specimen reaches that high plateau in an NGC holder! Lots of luster, plenty of mint frost and a reverse “to die for” make this example worthy of the finest collection. |
$1,012.50 |
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1878-P 8-TF VAM 14-16 ANACS Net MS60 (Lot 11003)
In the minds of collectors, net grading is normally the “kiss-of-death.” Rightly so, but there are a few instances when the problem does little to distract from the coin, itself. That’s the case here, where the Mint State obverse could easily grade a full MS62, and the reverse, which shows some hairlines on the highly proof-like surfaces, is attractive, as well. Overall this is a major rarity, and you’d have to see it to believe how much eye appeal it has! |
$1,125.00 |
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1878-P 7-TF VAM 84 ANACS MS63 PL (Lot 11004)
If you like Morgan dollars with a smooth frosty cheek and full proof-like fields, then this is the coin for you The 7-TF VAM 84 is obtainable is grades up through MS63, but you rarely find one with an early die strike like this one and mirrors that only a few years ago would have been considered full deep mirror. Bordering on the spectacular! |
$140.63 |
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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 |
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1879-S Rev78 VAM 23 ANACS MS61 (Lot 11007)
There are less than 20 different varieties of the popular 1879-S Reverse of ’78 set. One of the better varieties is the VAM 23, which can be identified by its area of die rust spots under the eagle’s right wing (on viewer’s left). How rare is it? Van Allen has assigned it an “R-7” rarity rating, which is as high as it gets! Usually found only in circulated condition, this Mint State specimen was a fabulous find. It has semi-prooflike surfaces which is another plus, and although the photo doesn’t do much for it, it is a lustrous no-question Unc. |
$433.13 |
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1880-P 8/7 VAM 6 ANACS MS62 (Lot 11008)
Specialists often go years without encountering an MS62 1880-P VAM 6 overdate specimen. It’s that rare in this top-of-the-line grade. Here, Liberty’s cheek is smooth and frosty, and attractive golden toning encircles the edges of the periphery. The overdate variety feature itself is bold, and it would be almost impossible to find a more attractive specimen of this popular TOP 100 variety. |
$433.13 |
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1883-O/O VAM 10 PCGS MS63 (Lot 11010)
Repunched Mintmarks are the backbone of collecting varieties in many U.S. coin series, but not so in the VAM segment of the market. Here, doubled dies are king. In any case, this VAM 10 O/O specimen is at the top of its grade level, and should make some adventurous collector quite happy. Super luster and priced below wholesale in a PCGS holder. |
$52.89 |
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1883-O/O VAM 14 ANACS MS64 (Lot 11011)
Coins in MS64 holders are being squirreled away everywhere in today’s market. This specimen has the advantage that it’s also has a repunched date with doubling evident beneath the top crossbar of the “1” in the date. The reverse is heavily toned. First time we’ve seen this variety offered for sale. |
$51.75 |
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1884-P VAM 3 ANACS MS65 (Lot 11012)
Much has been written about the two 1884-P “Dot” varieties, which are unique in the Morgan dollar series and both the VAM 3 and the VAM 4 are included in the TOP 100 listings. But the real news is that this specimen as good as any this cataloger has seen and is at the top of the surviving population. As a true Gem BU with smooth luster, it has almost no contact on the surfaces, and spectacular eye appeal. Priced at half the VAMVIEW Value guide value! |
$562.50 |
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1884-P VAM 4 PCGS MS61 (Lot 11013)
Whereas the 1884-P VAM 3 is known as the “Large Dot” variety, the VAM 4 offered here is its “Small Dot” counterpart. And although both are usually lumped together, the VAM 4 is actually the scarcer variety of the two. In any case, the “dots” next to Morgan’s initial on both obverse and reverse have fascinated collectors for decades. This TOP 100 specimen has booming luster on both sides, and PCGS graded the contact on the obverse rather harshly. Indeed, this under-graded coin would in someone else’s MS62 or MS63 holder without blinking an eye. In any case, this is a solid, Registry-ready example of this scarce variety. |
$174.38 |
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1884-CC VAM 2 ANACS MS64 (Lot 11014)
So much for standard economic theories! Most thought that the huge influx of “CC” dollars over the last two decades would depress that market, but it’s actually had the exact opposite effect. During the last decade, Carson City silver dollars have been as hot as a pistol! The VAM 2 offered here shows spectacular doubling of the “18” in the date. But because these coins have been in storage for more than a century, their condition is the real star. Many specimens, like this example, are breathtaking. Also, note that the 84-CC in VF condition is a $125 item and in MS64 it’s only $75 more |
$185.63 |
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1885-O Unattributed PCGS MS64 (Lot 11015)
Anyone interested in a PCGS MS64 specimen that would most likely grade MS65 with anyone else? Few marks and spectacular luster combine to make this one a knock-out! Liberty’s cheek is without distracting marks of any kind and the luster is far above average for an 1885-O. Somebody’s going to be thrilled to get this one! |
$56.25 |
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1886-P Unattributed PCGS MS63 (Lot 11016)
The cost of a PCGS holder plus shipping and insurance runs up to almost $30. So, in an era of escalating silver prices, how much is a ultra attractive MS63 worth with evidence of two strong clash marks on both obverse and reverse worth? You be the judge and jury. |
$38.25 |
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1887-P VAM 7 ANACS MS63 DMPL (Lot 11017)
Have you tried to get a coin into a deep mirror proof-like slab lately? If you have, you know it’s almost impossible. That’s why some smart buyers are acquiring them in holders already labeled DMPL. All we can say is that this specimen may be extremely undervalued at its Greysheet price. |
$84.38 |
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1887-P Unattributed PCGS MS63 (Lot 11018)
We loved this coin for its booming luster and MS65 reverse, and obtained it for the auction. Already in an MS63 PCGS slab, this attractive, well-struck 1887-P has liquidity written all over it! And check out the Minimum Bid. |
$38.25 |
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1887-O VAM 5 ANACS AU55 (Lot 11021)
Beware of problems with the 1887-O “Doubled Stars” VAM 5. Why? Many of the VAM 5 specimens in holders today are not the right variety! However, this one is the real McCoy. Here, the doubling on the stars to the right of the date is bold and dramatic, which is why the variety made it into the TOP 100. This example evidences only the slightest wear, and is unusually lustrous for the date. We feels it’s worth buying as a reference coin, if nothing else! |
$56.25 |
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1887-O VAM 22A PCGS AU58 (Lot 11022)
The VAM 22 is an amazing variety. It shows a strongly doubled eyelid on the obverse and the ultra late die state (VAM 22A) has a large area of spectacular die rust on the lower reverse. By the time this die pair reaches the 22A state, the coins show soft luster and weak detail. And so grading can be a problem. Here, it’s probable that 90 out of a 100 collectors, dealers & specialists would grade this one MS62. That’s what it was purchased at, and most would feel comfortable at that grade. But PCGS called it AU58, which is still a very high grade for this variety. In any case, the VAM 22A represents what VAM collecting is all about – rarity, grade and variety feature. |
$135.00 |
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1888-P VAM 18 PCGS MS62 (Lot 11025)
We’ve always considered the 18888-P VAM 18 to be one of the “Rodney Dangerfield” coins of the HOT 50 set. It doesn’t get much respect! Even so, this “doubled eyelid” variety can be difficult to find, and is important in completing the set. Excellent luster on both sides of the coin is the main quality here, and the fact that it’s in a PCGS is a major plus. |
$121.49 |
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1888-O VAM 6 ANACS MS63 Oval O (Lot 11026)
You probably think this must be a misprint, but it’s not! Yup, we’ve got an ANACS MS63 Oval O VAM 6 in this VAMquest auction, and it is undoubtedly one of the highest graded 1888 Oval O specimens known! Oval O specimens are bringing huge premiums, and along with the 1899 Micro Os, are some of the hottest varieties in the TOP 100. Here, both obverse and reverse are semi proof-like, which we’ve never seen before, and Liberty’s cheek is smooth, peeking out through the golden brown toning. This specimen has few, if any, significant marks and is spectacular by any measure. The phrase, “a once in a lifetime opportunity” comes to mind! |
$1,012.50 |
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1888-O VAM 9 PCGS MS61 (Lot 11027)
Talk about conservative grading! This one would mot likely be in anyone else’s MS63 holder, and you still might say it’s undergraded at that level! We’re not sure what they saw here, but if you don’t think this is a gorgeous specimen that’s better than MS61, then send it back! The luster is great and the fields are somewhat reflective. Nice. |
$79.88 |
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1889-S/S VAM 7 ANACS MS63 (Lot 11028)
Everyone knows that the 1889-S is a much better date, but many collectors are surprised to learn that the 89-S had a total original mintage of only 700,000! Maybe that’s the reason there are no 1889-S varieties in the TOP 100 or HOT 50 listings -- there just weren’t enough dies to produce lots of interesting varieties. But if an 1889-S variety were to be added to a future list, the VAM 7 might be a good candidate with its “S/S” Repunched Mintmark. On this specimen with its typical S-Mint splotchy toning, Liberty’s cheek is smooth, and the overall “look” is surprisingly attractive. |
$219.38 |
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1890-O VAM 10A PCGS MS63 (Lot 11029)
One of the long standing Morgan dollar varieties that’s enjoyed lots of collector popularity over the years is the 1890-O VAM 10 “Comet Variety.” It was so-named because of the raised parallel die gouges to the right of the date that resemble a meteor shower. There’s nothing quite like them in the rest of the Morgan or Peace dollar series. Then, it was discovered that a late die state exists with a gouge over the “O” of ONE which Van Allen designated the VAM 10A. The consignor was lucky to find one of these in such a high grade. |
$146.25 |
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1892-S VAM 2 ANACS XF45 (Lot 11030)
The doubled date 1892-S VAM 2 is a “Big Time” variety in the TOP 100 set. Of course, the date itself is rare, and specimens with the variety feature are that much rarer! So there’s a good investment reason to acquire specimens of this variety. In terms of condition, all that detracts is one mark in front of Liberty’s neck. The luster is exceptionally strong for an XF45, and overall, this rare specimen is exceedingly attractive for the grade. |
$450.00 |
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1894-O Unattributed ANACS MS61 (Lot 11031)
Genuine Mint State 1894-O specimens enter the marketplace so rarely, that when this extremely attractive specimen became available, we simply couldn’t pass it up! We could attribute it, but why bother, when finding a genuine no-question Unc 1894-O was the target. Smooth luster and surprisingly little contact on the surfaces made this a “gotta have” specimen. Rare. |
$421.88 |
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1901-P VAM 6 ANACS AU55 (Lot 11035)
Are you a fan of lustrous 1901-P silver dollars? Then here is the coin for you. Specialists know that strong luster is exceedingly rare on any 1901-P, as most examples are dull and lifeless. But here is the exception. This Choice AU specimen is quite attractive, and considering that MS60 coins are listed in the Greysheet at $1600, it’s a steal at this price. Throw in the fact that the VAM 6 has an interesting C4/C3 Dual Hub reverse, and you’ve got a prescription for a highly desirable specimen! |
$292.50 |
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1902-P VAM 4 PCGS AU55 (Lot 11036)
The 1902-P VAM 4 has been a leader of the pack in terms of desirability for decades, and this “Doubled Ear” variety remains high on the Hit Lists of collectors today. This specimen was purchased as an MS62, which places it among the best known examples. But unfortunately for the consignor, when it was submitted to PCGS, it came back AU55. What’s so special about this VAM 4? It has spectacular luster for a 1902-P, its surfaces are semi PL, it’s rare and it’s gorgeous! |
$225.00 |
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902-O Unattributed PCGS MS63 (Lot 11037)
One look at this 1902-O and you’re going to say, “I want it!” On a scale of one to ten, it’s a ten! The coin offered here has brilliant luster, frosty devices and semi proof-like surfaces on both sides. In fact, the reverse is full proof-like. There’s no point going on about a $50 coin, but it is simply superb for the grade. |
$56.25 |
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1921-D VAM 1A PCGS AU55 (Lot 11039)
Ah, the “Tru-t” variety! Collectors have sought this variety for decades, with its filled “s” in TRUST on the reverse. Why is it so popular? Because it’s qute rare and the spectacular variety feature can be readily seen by the naked eye. No electron microscope needed! The semi Proof Like specimen offered here is exceedingly attractive, and if sold raw, would undoubtedly be labeled an MS62. The luster is excellent and there is nothing to distract the eye. |
$349.88 |
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1921-D VAM 1B PCGS MS62 (Lot 11040)
OK. It’s hard to get excited about a 21-D VAM 1B, but the “Capped R” variety remains both interesting and popular with collectors. Few collectors realize that it has an ultra-rare late die state designated the VAM 1B-2, a filled die sub-variety. The surfaces on the VAM 1B-1 specimen in this auction show exceedingly bold luster and a needle-sharp strike, both of which are unusual on a 1921-D, and overall this specimen has the “look” of a much higher grade. |
$84.38 |
| 1-30 | |
*Price includes the buyers premium.
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