| Winning Lots from Auction #14 |
| Lot Image |
Lot Name (Lot #)
Description |
Price Realized* |
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1878 8TF VAM 7 NGC MS64 (Lot 14001)
The 8TF VAM 7 is an enigma. In grades up through MS62 it is a common variety, but the population in MS63 rapidly thins out, and in MS64 it is a very scarce variety. In fact, this NGC MS64 specimen may be Condition Census, since there are fewer than 10 MS65 specimens known to us! The attractive example offered here is particularly notable for its super frostiness, which accentuates its snow-white surfaces. Indeed, for connoisseurs of 8TF varieties, this is about as good as it gets! |
$393.75 |
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1878 8TF VAM 9 ANACS AU53 (Lot 14002)
Few Morgan dollar varieties have the mystique of the 8-TF VAM 9. Why? We can be certain that this die pair was the first to strike Morgan dollars on the first day of production, March 11, 1878. Who knows? The coin offered here may have been among the first struck, since it shows no evidence of clashing and originally had DMPL surfaces. (Research has shown there is a complete die progression with 0, 1 and 2 obverse/reverse clashes.) Here, under a 16x loupe, you can see plenty of contact marks on the surfaces. But even so, this is an extremely attractive specimen with a hint of peripheral golden brown toning that adds to its eye appeal. Did we mention it still displays excellent luster and semi PL surfaces. |
$731.25 |
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1878 8TF VAM 14-3 NGC MS64 DPL (Lot 14003)
As a variety, the 8TF VAM 14-3 is particularly interesting, as its pedigree goes all the way back to the first 8TF Proof dies. Records show that during the first week of Morgan dollar production, one hundred Proofs were produced, and research has shown these to be VAM 14-3. Then, the same dies were employed to strike silver dollars for circulation purposes. The specimen offered here is one of the circulation strikes struck from Proof dies. This historically significant piece is in an NGC MS64 Deep Mirror Proof-Like holder, which represents an amazing grade for any 8TF Morgan, but is especially important here. Would you believe the Greysheet lists standard 8TFs in MS64 DMPL at $4,160! |
$2,925.00 |
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1878 8TF VAM 22 NGC MS64 (Lot 14004)
This 8TF VAM 22 specimen is essentially top-of-the-line. Another example in an NGC MS64 holder was recently described on EBay as the finest known and offered for well over $1000! In any case, the VAM 22 in MS64 is an important HOT 50 listing. The key diagnostic here is the unique over-polishing of “LIB” in LIBERTY. So, for collectors interested in upgrading their HOT 50 sets, here is an attractive, under-priced VAM 22. |
$495.00 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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1879-S Rev78 VAM 34 NGC XF45 (Lot 14008)
Simply put, the 1879-S Rev78 set of 17 different varieties hasn’t “taken off” like we thought it might. Maybe the coins are too expensive to start with, so the varieties are less appealing. But there are a number of stalwart collectors who specialize in the set, and they know what a major rarity the VAM 34 is, especially in an NGC or PCGS holder. The key diagnostic here is a grouping of three tiny diagonal polishing lines inside the bottom of the “T” in LIBERTY. And of interest to those specializing in die states is the fact that the surfaces on this XF45 specimen still show signs of reflectivity, indicating it was a PL example in Mint State. Rarely, if ever, offered. |
$112.50 |
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1879-S Rev78 VAM 39 NGC MS64 (Lot 14009)
Whereas the preceding 1879-S Rev78 lot was a rare variety, this lot is a more common variety in a rare grade. The VAM 39, like most Rev78 varieties, is obtainable in grades up through MS62. In strict MS63 they all become quite scarce, and in MS64 they are downright rare. The VAM 39 can be identified by three tiny die polishing lines that run perpendicular across the front wheat grains in Liberty’s bonnet. Lustrous. |
$843.75 |
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1880-P VAM 8 NGC AU50 (Lot 14010)
When was the last time you saw an 1880-P VAM 8 in any grade? We seem to encounter one about every other year! But we’ll bet you haven’t ever seen one in an NGC AU50 holder. The variety itself is extremely elusive, and it’s difficult to attribute, as well. Most consider it an important element of the TOP 100 set. Here, the surfaces show marks typical of this ultra-rare variety, but it IS in an AU50 NGC slab. No telling when the next specimen will come along. |
$1,305.00 |
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1880-O 8/7 VAM 17 PCGS AU55 (Lot 14011)
Here’s a variety you seldom see – a VAM 17 1880-O 8/7 overdate. Every collector who is putting together a PCGS Registry Set needs one of these, and they hardly ever appear. And best of all, this is an outstanding specimen for an AU55 grade. In fact, it would fit in nicely with any BU set of Morgan dollar varieties. With just a hint of toning at the top of the obverse and at the bottom of the reverse, this very scarce coin has abundant eye appeal. |
$183.38 |
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1882-O/S VAM 5 PCGS MS61 (Lot 14013)
The 1882-O/S variety, which is one of the few Morgan dollar VAMs listed in the Greysheet, is now an integral part of any regular Morgan dollar set. And they’ve become so popular that Choice AU specimens often sell for well over $100. In today’s market, it’s widely known that the variety is many times rarer in strict Mint State condition than in AU, so the Greysheet lists any MS60 example at around $200. And this figure doesn’t take into account the fact that the coin offered here is better than MS60, plus it certainly doesn’t account for the PCGS holder. And as you would expect, in this slab your mind can be at ease as to whether the coin is a true Mint State or not. Super luster and quite attractive. |
$196.88 |
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1883-O Unattributed PCGS MS64 PL (Lot 14014)
At arm’s length, this coin is a two-sided monster! The mirrors are deep, and in the recent past, this specimen would have been sold as an MS64 DMPL. PCGS put this example in an MS64 Proof-Like holder, which is no easy accomplishment, either. The contrast between the satiny white devices and the highly reflective fields give this specimen a dazzling cameo effect. |
$96.75 |
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1884-O/O VAM 6 PCGS MS62 PL (Lot 14015)
Here’s a coin that’s registry-ready. By that we mean that it’s in a PCGS holder that has the VAM Number on the label. That’s of paramount importance because PCGS has only slabbed two specimens in this grade of MS62 PL and only four better. Think about it. The 1884-O/O VAM 6 example offered here is among the six finest currently graded by PCGS! That’s remarkable. And this TOP 100 specimen has the VAM designation on the slab which now costs $20 more. |
$169.43 |
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1885-O VAM 17 NGC MS63 (Lot 14016)
How in the world would a date digit end up in the denticles of a coin? No one knows for sure, but there’s a whole segments of VAM collecting called “Misplaced Dates” that specializes in the phenomenon. The specimen offered here is just such a coin. Van Allen gives it an R-5 rarity rating, and this is the first one we’ve ever encountered. Minimal marks and lots of luster make this one a superb value for the price. |
$73.13 |
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1886-P VAM 1A PCGS MS63 (Lot 14017)
Some varieties just aren’t worth getting worked up about, and the 1886-P VAM 1A may be one of them. It has a raised, curved line in the top inside loop of the “6” in the date, and Leroy says the inside of the ear “very slightly doubled,” which I don’t see on this specimen. But what counts is the coin itself, and the quality here is far above what is commonly traded in the marketplace as MS63. Plus the strike is sharp and the luster is solid. |
$39.66 |
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1887-P VAM 13 ANACS MS65 PL (Lot 14018)
"Doubled Stars" varieties like this one have always been popular with VAM collectors. But they can be hard to identify in lower grades. That's why this MS65 Proof-Like example is so refreshing. All the details are there. The rims are starting to tone, Liberty’s cheek is frosty and the fields are quite reflective. Sound spectacular? Well, it is! |
$112.50 |
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1887-O VAM 22A PCGS AU53 (Lot 14019)
What a combination! A major doubled eyelid on the obverse and a spectacular area of pitting on the lower reverse. The VAM 22A (being the late die state of the VAM 22 which has the same doubled die obverse but no pitting on the reverse) is one of the most interesting of the TOP 100 varieties. But because this VAM is an ultra late die state, and 1887-O silver dollars in general tend to be weakly struck, it’s difficult to get examples of the VAM 22A into a slab with a decent grade. No problem here, as this AU53 already found its way into a PCGS holder. |
$112.50 |
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1890-P VAM 16 (Discovery Coin) SEGS AU50 (Lot 14022)
Discoveries are the backbone of VAM collecting, and the original “discovery coin” for each VAM number enjoys a special appeal. Indeed, there are a number of advantages of the actual first coin, since there certainly is no question as to the attribution. That is important on coins like this one, where it’s difficult to be sure that the attribution is correct. The VAM 16 shows light doubling on the inside of Liberty’s ear, and the date is set to the right. The point is it’s likely that no one viewing this auction has ever seen a VAM 16 specimen. |
$112.50 |
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1890-O VAM 5 ANACS MS63 PL (Lot 14023)
As any Morgan dollar specialist will tell you, 1890-O is not a date that’s frequently found with Proof-Like surfaces. But also adding interest here is the repunched “9” in the date, which shows the remains of an underlying digit along the top of the primary “9.” What an impressive coin this one is, with a frosty cheek on Liberty and fields that are highly reflective! First time we’ve seen the variety offered. |
$156.38 |
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1892-O VAM 7 ANACS MS62 (Lot 14025)
This is the first BU specimen of the elusive 1892-O VAM 7 that we’ve encountered. Indeed, the VAM 7 is scarce is all grades, but becomes almost impossible to find in Mint State. So, this TOP 100 example is all the more exciting. Satiny surfaces, a lack of significant marks, and significant rarity make this an important opportunity. |
$393.75 |
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1901-P Unattributed NGC AU50 (Lot 14026)
This coin comes from a Mike Fey auction, and the back of the NGC slab has some labels that say “VAM 13 or 15”? In any case, 1901-P specimens grading AU or better are rarer than hen’s teeth! And even fewer make it into slabs. So we had to accept this one for consignment purposes. Here, under high magnification the surfaces show contact, but the luster is remarkably strong for a 1901-P and the “look” is Choice AU or better. |
$225.00 |
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1901-O VAM 1A NGC MS63 (Lot 14027)
Here is an unusual variety that is rarely, if ever, seen in the marketplace. It’s the 1901-O VAM 1A. This Rarity-5 variety has numerous die polishing lines around Liberty’s ear on the obverse, culminating in a raised diagonal line running across the inside of the ear. There’s nothing else quite like it. And the VAM 1A is a late die state with strong clashing on both obverse and reverse. In fact, the marks at the junction of the chin and neck show double clashing. Luster abounds. |
$112.50 |
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1902-O Unattributed PCGS MS63 (Lot 14028)
Those who have purchased unattributed PCGS coins in our past auctions know that these hand-picked beauties are spectacular. That’s the only reason they are in the auction! Once again, this specimen lives up to its billing. It has the “look” of an MS65 Morgan, there’s lots of luster, and the obverse is Semi Proof-like, while the reverse is fully Proof-like. |
$55.13 |
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1904-O Unattributed PCGS MS63 (Lot 14029)
Here’s another bonus for those who are interested in a bargain. The attractive 1904-O Morgan offered here was graded MS63 by PCGS, and it’s everything you’d expect in a PQ silver dollar. Of course, the Minimum Bid of $1 harkens back to the days of Wild West when these cartwheels traded hands at face value. Wonderful quality and a good deal! |
$70.88 |
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1922-P VAM 1A PCI MS63 (Lot 14031)
Competition for TOP 50 Peace dollars reached a new level in 2007, and the result was some staggering prices across the board. And in terms of availability, there were surprises. Take the 1922-P VAM 1A, for instance. It is common in circulated grades, and only slightly scarcer in grades up to MS62. But the population seems to disappear in MS64, making this MS63 interesting. In many PCGS Registry Sets, the VAM 1A only grades MS63, and would you believe the total population in MS64 or better is only four specimens! If you can believe it, here the price is not much more than the cost of the slab. |
$30.38 |
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1922-P VAM 4 PCGS MS62 (Lot 14032)
The 1922-P VAM 4 could be the poster child for strong obverse doubled dies in the Peace dollar series. The designer’s initials, AF, the numerals of the date, and in particular, the “TR” in TRUST all show strong doubling. The variety was a shoe-in for the TOP 50 listings. To describe this specimen, one only needs to mention the “conservative” PCGS grading, the dazzling luster, and the outstanding overall appearance. In fact, the buyer will wonder why it’s in an MS62 holder! |
$73.11 |
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1922-P VAM 7(b) PCGS MS62 (Lot 14033)
There are two different obverses for the 1922-P VAM 7, and both are part of the TOP 50. The first is the VAM 7a, which is easily attributed by its polishing lines at the top of “TR” in TRUST. The second, and much rarer sub-variety is the one offered here, the VAM 7b, which shows a raised “dot” between the “T” and the “R.” PCGS does not list the sub-varieties, as both are attributed as VAM 7 on their holders. The good news is that at arm’s length, this one is a gorgeous MS64, and its luster is simply outstanding. Note also that the cost of getting a coin into a PCGS holder is around $20 plus there’s another $20 charge to get the VAM number on the label. So, buy the plastic and get this fabulous coin for nothing! |
$61.88 |
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1923-P VAM 5 NGC MS64 (Lot 14034)
The 1923-P VAM 5 has a doubled die reverse with slight doubling below the eagles’ shoulder and on the neck. The coin is exceedingly attractive with smooth surfaces and dazzling luster on both obverse and reverse. If you’re seeking a 23-P VAM 5, or you’re on a quest for a high quality Peace dollar, this coin will more than fit the bill! |
$47.25 |
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1927-D VAM 2 PCGS MS63 (Lot 14035)
As a date, the 1927-D is seldom seen, and VAM 2 represents the Number One variety for that date and mintmark. It shows diagnostic doubling on the motto, and a die crack that runs across the bottom of Liberty’s neck. In MS63, a 1927-D sells for $300 and in a PCGS holder, even more. But here, the key consideration is that this is a high grade TOP 50 variety, which makes it a necessary component in assembling a PCGS Registry Set. And from that standpoint, this would be a key find for any Peace dollar specialist. |
$438.75 |
| 1-30 | |
*Price includes the buyers premium.
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