| Winning Lots from Auction #12 |
| Lot Image |
Lot Name (Lot #)
Description |
Price Realized* |
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1878-P 8-TF VAM 1 ANACS MS63 DMPL (Lot 12001)
Unlike most other 8-TF varieties, the VAM 1 obverse and reverse dies were apparently used only on the VAM 1. Yes, the VAM book lists a VAM 13, which supposedly has the same obverse and a different reverse. But not one specimen has ever been confirmed. In any case, the VAM 1 offered here is a breath-taking top-of-the-line specimen. It has deep mirrors and Liberty’s cheek is pure white. Nice contrast and a minimum of marks round out the picture. The effect is spectacular beauty! |
$562.50 |
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1878-P 8-TF VAM 7 NGC MS61 (Lot 12004)
Over the years, a number of collectors have commented to me that VAM 7 specimens seem to “look funny.” What they’re referring to is the frosty surfaces that make the luster look subdued. This must have spooked the graders at NGC as well, since they assigned it an MS61 grade. Actually, such heavy frost is an appealing attribute about the VAM 7. But in any case, at MS61 this is a lot of coin for the money! |
$106.88 |
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1878-P 8-TF VAM 14-10 ANACS MS63 (Lot 12006)
Collectors love the 8-TF VAM 14-10 because it has the same reverse as the VAM 14-1, but is much rarer. Even so, it seldom gets the respect it deserves. This Mint State example is near the top of the condition census for the 14-10, with full luster, white surfaces, and lots of Mint frost. It’s safe to say that any appearance of the VAM 14-13 in this grade is a landmark event! |
$528.75 |
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1878-P 8-TF VAM 16 NGC MS63 (Lot 12007)
The 8-TF VAM 16 is one of those varieties that you think isn’t scarce, but wait till you try to locate one when you need it. It’s harder than you think! Also worth mentioning is that this VAM 16 is the later die state with a chunk of metal on the left outside of the first “8” in the date. And the dramatic doubling and tripling on the left obverse stars is eye-popping! In terms of condition, this specimen has full luster and creamy luster on both sides. |
$146.25 |
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1878-P 8-TF VAM 22(A) ANACS MS64 (Lot 12009)
The 8-TF VAM 22 is interesting for its unique over-polishing of LIB in LIBERTY. This feature makes identification quite easy. The only problem is locating a first-rate example. An MS64 NGC specimen was recently offered for over a thousand dollars on EBay, and there are other instances of pie-in-the-sky pricing for this scarce HOT 50 variety. Put the coin offered here under a light and you’ll marvel at its eye appeal. White, lustrous surfaces with a hint of toning at the rims serve to accent its eye appeal! |
$253.13 |
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1878-P 7/8-TF VAM 38 ANACS MS63 PL (Lot 12011)
The VAM 38 is interesting as a variety for its strongly doubled letters in LIBERTY in the headband. In fact, it shows the most dramatic doubling of that portion of the design found anywhere in the entire Morgan dollar series. That’s the good news. The bad news is that the variety itself is currently available in the marketplace. So, the upshot is that the VAM 38, in effect, is the “common” 7/8-TF variety listed in the Greysheet. Since MS63 DMPL specimens fetch around $1000, and PL aren’t listed, a case could be made that Proof-like specimens are currently under-valued. |
$174.38 |
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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 |
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1878-P 7/8-TF VAM 43 PCGS MS63 (Lot 12013)
We rarely quibble about the grade on the holder, particularly PCGS. But we believe the mirrors on this coin are too deep to not have a PL designation. In the not too distant past, this one would have been an obvious PL, due to its highly reflective surfaces. In any case, the photos don’t do the coin justice. Rare and quite desirable. |
$309.38 |
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1878-P 7-TF VAM 190 ANACS MS60 New Holder (Lot 12014)
The VAM 190, which is characterized by Liberty’s missing nostril on the obverse and a doubled “In God We…” on the reverse, is known to have two distinct stages. The first is the unclashed earlier die state that’s offered here, and the second is a clashed late die state. The buyer of this coin will be pleasantly surprised by the superb appeal of this example, since MS60 usually is the kiss of death in terms of quality. Quite attractive for the grade. |
$55.13 |
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1878-P 7TF Rev 79 VAM 201 PCGS MS62 (Lot 12015)
Ah, you’ve got to love ‘em – 1878-P varieties in PCGS holders with the so-called Reverse of 1879. The VAM 201, which is less often encountered than many of the other Rev79 varieties, is identifiable by its diagnostic die fill in the lower loop of the first “8” in the date. In terms of grade, this specimen is conservatively graded by PCGS (So what else is new!) and the untoned surfaces are quite lustrous. A nice example worth pursuing!
Most importantly, this specimen is conservatively graded by PCGS (So what else is new!), and its untoned surfaces are quite lustrous.
|
$135.00 |
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1878-P Rev79 VAM 221 NGC MS64 (Lot 12016)
There is a bit of bewilderment for collectors when it comes to the so-called 1878-P Reverse of ’79 varieties. Why? Sheer numbers! Only 13 were listed in the original VAM Book, but now the number has more than doubled, and the problem is that many of the new ones can be quite difficult to identify. VAM 221 is one of the original listed varieties, and has no broken point on the #4 Star to the right of the date and the reverse is doubled on the inside of the “U” of UNITED. The sub-variety offered here has a faint die chip on the leading edge of Liberty’s forehead. What’s exciting is the “look” of the coin. There’s golden toning around the periphery on the obverse and reverse, the coin is quite lustrous. Check the Greysheet price on this one! |
$331.88 |
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1878-S VAM 16(A) ANACS MS64 (Lot 12017)
Judging from the exorbitant prices 1878-S varieties fetch on EBay these days, their popularity seems to be exploding like a volcano! One of the more interesting varieties is the VAM 16, with its strong doubled die obverse and its extremely long die scratch on the eagle’s right wing. This specimen is a beauty, with booming luster and abundant eye appeal. You couldn’t do better than this! |
$95.63 |
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1878-S VAM 27 B1 Rev ANACS AU55 (Lot 12018)
VAM collecting legends begin with 1878-S “Long Nock” varieties, and most are usually found in grades from Good to Very Fine. Here is a specimen graded by ANACS as AU55, which puts it grade-wise at the top of the class. However, one impairment is noted – a scratch that runs vertically in the obverse field. How bad is it? Not bad enough for ANACS to mark down the grade, but it IS noteworthy. In all other respects this coin is among the best of the “Long Nock” specimens. It has sharp detail and abundant luster. Ultra-rare. |
$416.25 |
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1878-S VAM 58 B1 Rev ANACS VF20 (Lot 12019)
This cataloger spent years trying to find a 78-S VAM 58 specimen. It’s not that it’s hard to identify. The huge “spike” in front of Liberty’s eye, just under the eyelid makes it quite easy to spot. The problem was that few, if any, specimens grade better than Very Good or Fine. All 1878-S B1 Reverse varieties are rare, but the VAM 58 is super rare! What’s interesting here is the fact that this example shows the tell-tale remains of underlying proof-like surfaces, which is highly unusual. Quite under-valued at these levels. |
$326.25 |
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1878-CC VAM 9 PCGS MS63 (Lot 12020)
To think this silver dollar was struck in the Wild West, and now its condition is the same as when it was first struck. The coin’s surfaces are pristine and a hint of attractive golden-brown toning around the peripheries is all that’s been added. Actually, many experts would buy and sell this coin as a solid MS64, but conservative grading here only increases its desirability. No doubt, the buyer of this piece will be delighted. |
$292.50 |
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1879-O VAM 28 PCGS AU58 (Lot 12021)
Some coins serve to measure the quality of a collection. The 1879-O VAM 28 with O/Horizontal O mintmark is one of those! Its VAM 4 counterpart is rare in its own right, but the VAM 28 is many, many times rarer. In fact, PCGS gives the VAM 28 an extra point in its Registry, which only occurs in a handful of cases. That said, this specimen is simply gorgeous, and at first glance looks like it would grade a full MS63. And of course, there’s no question here if it will crossover to a PCGS holder – it’s already slabbed PCGS AU58. So, here is an exquisite example of an ultra-rare TOP 100 variety that would be the highlight of VAM collections! |
$2,482.88 |
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1879-S Unattributed PCGS MS64 (Lot 12022)
Here is one of the most attractive 1879-S specimens we’ve encountered lately. In fact, we felt it had a good shot at MS65, so we couldn’t pass it up in a PCGS MS64 holder. Clean cheek. Clean fields. Superb luster. Nice! |
$78.75 |
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1880-O VAM 4 NGC MS62 (Lot 12024)
For those who like spectacular overdates, here is a variety for you! On VAM 4, the second “8” in the date shows a distinct crossbar in the upper loop, which represents the remains of an underlying “7.” This variety also has a Micro O mintmark, which was one of two different punches used in 1880 at the New Orleans Mint. In terms of rarity, the VAM 4 is scarce, and 1880-O as a date becomes much scarcer in BU condition. Indeed, MS65 specimens sell for more than $17,000! This VAM 4 example, which is in an NGC MS62 holder, is nice and frosty overall. There are some marks on Liberty’s cheek that account for the grade, but at arm’s length it’s an attractive MS63. |
$225.00 |
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1880-P VAM 9 NGC MS63 (Lot 12026)
Inadvertently listed as an 1880-S VAM 9, this specimen is actually the much rarer 1880-P VAM 9 “Stem” overdate. Thanks to Jay Shattuck for pointing out the error. |
$231.75 |
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1881-CC VAM 2 ANACS MS64 (Lot 12027)
Talk about a gorgeous specimen! This MS64 may actually be under-graded, with its silky luster and minimum marks of any kind. But it really doesn’t matter because Greysheet bid for the grade below is $435, and in MS64 the 1881-CC is listed at $460. So there’s not much risk to argue about in any case. We should also mention that the 1881-CC VAM 2 will be featured in an upcoming book about Carson City dollars, because the markings inside the second “8” in the date so closely resemble an underlying overdate. If only all MS64 Morgan dollars looked like this one! |
$461.25 |
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1882-O/S VAM 3 EDS ANACS MS60 (Lot 12028)
This is the first time we’ve had the pleasure of offering an Early Die State VAM 3 O/S. And it’s not in just any grade, it’s in an MS60 holder! At arm’s length, you’d swear this is at least an MS63. It looks that good! It does have some contact marks on the cheek, but this one definitely lives up to its billing as Mint State. And overall, its appearance is not only attractive, but quite appealing. In fact, it’s one of the nicest specimens we’ve seen of the ultra-rare O/S variety. |
$213.75 |
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1884-O VAM 5 NGC MS64 (Lot 12030)
The 1884-O VAM 5 can easily attributed by its uniquely filled mintmark, where the center opening of the “O” is filled and flush with the rest of the mintmark. There’s nothing quite like it in the rest of the Morgan dollar series! This coin was originally purchased as an MS65, but even its lack of marks, its clean cheek and its smooth bright luster didn’t get it that designation. (It should have!) At the very least, this outstanding specimen is at the top of the MS64 grading level. |
$61.88 |
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1884-O VAM 4 ANACS MS65 (Lot 12031)
For those who appreciate incredible coins, this MS65 specimen of the VAM 4 is the perfect choice. The surfaces are exceptionally nice and the luster is smooth and silky on both obverse and reverse. That said, the variety is also important here. Yes, the “18—“ in the date is strongly doubled, but it’s the doubled reeding on the edge of the coin that puts this variety in a class by itself! Ultra attractive. |
$129.38 |
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1884-O VAM 35 PCGS MS63 (Lot 12032)
Attention PCGS Registry participants: Here it is – the rarely encountered 1884-O VAM 35 in a PCGS holder marked “HOT 50 VAM 35 Doubled Eyelid” on the label. Bet you don’t have one, and even if you do, submit your own specimen to PCGS and watch it come back a much lower grade! This one got an MS63 because it has few marks, smooth cheek on Liberty, superb luster and spectacular surfaces! |
$168.75 |
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1885-P VAM 4 NGC MS63 DMPL (Lot 12033)
It’s been said that quality lives on. And how could it not, when beautiful specimens like this sometimes sell for less than a hundred dollars. As for the variety, the VAM 4 is one of the best “Dash” varieties of 1885. If a totally white image of Liberty peeking out from golden toning sounds good to you, then you might consider acquiring this spectacular and undervalued coin. |
$101.25 |
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1886-P VAM 11 PCGS MS64 (Lot 12035)
The 1886-P VAM 11 is a repunched date with the “1” strongly doubled under the top crossbar. The two “8’s” also show minor doubling. But the big news here is that this coin is a gorgeous specimen in a PCGS MS64 holder. All else may be of lesser significance. Want a PQ MS64 Morgan dollar? Then this example may be for you! |
$61.88 |
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1888-P VAM 12(A) PCGS MS62 (Lot 12037)
Here is a late die state 1888-P VAM 12 for “clashed die” aficionados that shows amazing clashing on both sides of the coin. In particular, not the shift in clash marks under the “n” of in which runs down to the wing on the upper reverse. What a shift! As for the coin itself, this lustrous MS62 would be your local dealer’s MS63. And best of all, it’s in a PCGS holder. A HOT 50 listing. |
$163.13 |
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1888-P VAM 18 PCGS MS63 (Lot 12038)
The 1888-P VAM 18 “Doubled Eyelid” variety is usually found in low grade UNC condition, but the population thins out by the time you reach MS63. In fact, most of the specimens we encounter wouldn’t make into a PCGS holder in even MS60. So, this is a excellent opportunity for anyone putting together a Registry set to acquire a first-rate example for their collection. You certainly wouldn’t find a specimen like this one at a coin show marked less than MS64 or even MS65. Outstanding in every respect! |
$146.24 |
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1896-P VAM 20 PCGS MS62 (Lot 12040)
In our first year of operation, we’ve only handled very few, if any, 1896-P VAM 20 specimens. They’re that rare. Known as the “Bar 6” variety, the VAM 20 shows a vertical die gouge inside the “6” in the date. The variety was unusual enough to make it into the HOT 50. This coin is white, lustrous and conservatively graded by PCGS… a nice combination! |
$78.75 |
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1896-P VAM 13 PCGS MS63PL (Lot 12041)
A few years ago this would have been sold as an MS64 DMPL and the buyer would have been quite pleased. Now, this PQ specimen with nice mirrors and white devices resides in a PCGS MS63 PL holder. We never tout investment views, but if we were putting coins away for the future, this gorgeous Proof-Like specimen would be a prime candidate! |
$78.75 |
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1896-O VAM 4 Micro O ANACS XF45 (Lot 12042)
Over the past five years we’ve explained our view about the controversy a number of times, but the bottom line is that the ‘96-O VAM 4 may have been struck outside the U.S. Mint by persons unknown. The details are murky, but the coin certainly looks “genuine” and it has been collected as an important Micro O variety in the past. This specimen is quite attractive for the grade, and the current listing for XF45 in the RCI TOP 100 Value Guide is $2990. Further adding to its appeal, this specimen is in a slab. |
$601.88 |
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1898-O Unattributed PCGS MS62 (Lot 12043)
If you’re a toning fanatic, then here is a specimen that should catch your eye. PCGS obviously didn’t know what to do with it, since it’s evident that the coin is actually a deep mirror proof-like on both sides. But the intense dark blue toning on the obverse served to obscure the reflectivity. In any case, this is an stunning coin with no marks and fine detail. And if you told me it’s an MS65 DMPL underneath, I’m not sure I could argue against it! |
$95.63 |
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1900-P VAM 24 PCGS MS62 (Lot 12044)
Originally, the 1900-P VAM 11 with its dramatic doubled die reverse found a secure place in the TOP 100 as an important Morgan dollar variety. Then, eagle-eyed specialist, John Baumgart, made a startling discovery – there were actually two different obverses associated with this reverse die. The second obverse, which showed slight doubling on the starts, was designated VAM 24 by Van Allen, and the rest is history. The specimen offered here resides in a PCGS MS62 holder, and given its lack of marks and smooth luster, it proves how conservative PCGS grading is! Super for the grade. |
$56.25 |
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1900-O/CC VAM 7A NGC XF45 (Lot 12045)
A drum roll please…….. Because the 1900-O/CC varieties are now considered part of a regular Morgan dollar set, collector demand for these coins is enormous. But there are still some specific O/CC VAMs that specialists are anxious to find. In that category, the VAM 7A is front and center. Few have ever been found, and the ones that have come to light are either low grade in the VG to VF range or are impaired. So, VAMquest Auctions is particularly pleased to offer this VAM 7A in an NGC XF45 holder. A landmark offering! |
$911.25 |
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1900-O Unattributed NGC MS65 (Lot 12046)
True MS65 Morgan dollars are a thing sublime! Yes, who could ever get enough of these high grade beauties? The specimen offered here has clean surfaces, smooth luster, and a hint of golden toning around the edges on both obverse and reverse. The word that comes to mind is “stunning.” If you plan to put some Morgans away for the future, this would be a good one! |
$112.50 |
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1902-P VAM 4 PCGS AU55 (Lot 12048)
In a round-table discussion at one of the SSDC meetings at a recent ANA convention, the room full of participants was asked their opinion as to the Top 10 varieties in the TOP 100. The 1902-P VAM 4 was on just about everyone’s list! That was the good news for this consignor. The bad news was that the attractive coin he purchased as an MS62 came back AU55 from PCGS. Does the coin look MS62? No question. The graders may have focused on the weak strike, but the 1902-P VAM 4 always comes weakly struck. In any case, this fully lustrous specimen is extremely attractive and highly desirable. |
$292.50 |
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1904-O Unattributed PCGS MS64 (Lot 12050)
The state of preservation on this 1904-O is so high, we didn’t bother to attribute it. There’s no point, as this PCGS MS64 is premium quality all the way. The jewel-like luster on both sides is exceptional and marks of any kind are at a minimum. In fact, a few years ago this would have been a no-question MS65. We’ll let PCGS do the grading, but this one is from an old-time collection, where the flip says MS67! |
$68.06 |
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1921-P Zerbe Dies ANACS MS62 (Lot 12051)
There has been much discussion as to what constitutes a coin struck from so-called Zerbe dies. We point to two identifiers: A “dot” next to the “1” in the date on the obverse and a series of parallel polishing lines on the top arrowhead on the reverse. As a matter of fact, these coins sometimes sell for ridiculous prices on EBay. (One rather ordinary looking specimen sold for over $400.) In any case, it’s the opinion of this cataloger they aren’t worth it. That said, here is an MS62 with a better than average “look” that starts at $25. |
$38.00 |
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1922-P VAM 2A PCGS AU58 (Lot 12052)
You can understand why VAMquest Auctions is proud to offer this coin. It’s the famous Peace dollar “Ear-ring” variety, which tops many collectors’ Hit Lists. And there’s more good news. It’s in a PCGS holder! This lustrous beauty is so conservatively graded that you won’t believe it’s not MS62. In fact, the consignor thought it was, when he submitted it to PCGS! In any case, the VAM 2A with its spectacular obverse die break brings huge money whenever one enters the marketplace. Super attractive! |
$442.11 |
| 1-40 | 41-51 | |
*Price includes the buyers premium.
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