| Winning Lots from Auction #16 |
| Lot Image |
Lot Name (Lot #)
Description |
Price Realized* |
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1878-P 8TF VAM 3 PCGS MS62 PL (Lot 16001)
This is exactly the type of coin that many astute collectors are now picking up. Why? It meets all the criteria for the long haul. (1) It’s in a PCGS holder, (2) It says “Proof-Like” on the label, (3) Today’s Proof-Likes are yesterday’s DMPLs, and this coin looks DMPL! (4) Nice MS62s are an interesting play, since the Greysheet only lists MS60 and MS63 grades, (5) PLs are appealing, since the Greysheet only lists DMPLs and not PL coins, and (6) this coin is conservatively graded and would most likely be in someone else’s MS63 or MS64 holder. Having said all that, we offer this highly attractive Proof-Like specimen, an example which is more than solid for the grade! |
$196.88 |
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1878-P 8TF VAM 9 ANACS AU53 (Lot 16002)
We all know that the 1878-P VAM 9 was the first die pair used in to strike Morgan dollars in 1878, and how Pete Bishal was the first to suggest that what we call VAM 9 was the first die pair used. Indeed, it was an amazing piece of detective work! Now, as the rest of us continue to enjoy the fruits of his research, we realize just how scarce the VAM 9 is, particularly in AU or better condition. Here, this consignor’s rare AU53 displays lots of detail with much remaining luster. |
$568.13 |
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1878-P 8TF VAM 14.4 ANACS MS64 (Lot 16003)
When viewing the deep-dish DMPL reverse found on this variety, most silver dollar collectors are simply awe-struck! Indeed, the VAM 14.4 is one of my favorite 8TF varieties, and large numbers of specialists share this view. Best of all, the VAM 14.4 is usually are found in Mint State condition (most often in MS61 to MS63) and frequently displays attractive surfaces. These are high standards, buy this VAMquest example is even better. White frosty surfaces on the obverse, minimal surface marks and across-the-room mirrors on the reverse make this VAM 14.4 a top-of-the-line stunner! |
$869.63 |
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1878-P 8TF VAM 14.12 ANACS MS61 DMPL (Lot 16004)
A good 20% of the known 1878 8TF die pairs are ultra-rare, and that’s part of the appeal of the 8TF Set. Considering all these ultra-rare varieties, the VAM 14.12 ranks among the rarest of these rarities. In fact, it’s estimated that around ten specimens exist in all grades! So, for most of the world’s 8TF specialists, VAM 14.12 remains a missing slot. In fact, VAMview shows no recorded sales at all! The specimen offered here has deeply mirrored surfaces and a frosty, attractive cheek on Liberty. There are contact marks in the field which the DMPL surfaces tend to accentuate, but this ultra-rare example is a spectacular coin in an unheard-of grade. In fact, it is better than this cataloger’s own specimen, which is PCGS AU55! |
$9,675.00 |
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1878-P 7/8TF VAM 40 PCGS MS63 (Lot 16005)
Many of us have been struggling for years to find an MS63 or better 7/8TF VAM 40 in a PCGS holder. Just when some collectors have probably given up hope, here is an MS63 that’s everything one could hope for in that grade. There’s plenty of frost on Liberty’s cheek, the fields show almost no marks, and the overall look is one of top quality. Registry ready. |
$351.71 |
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1878-P 7/8TF VAM 41/41B PCGS MS62 (Lot 16006)
We love this variety! The VAM 41 7/8TF shows the maximum number of extra tips under the eagle’s tail-feathers, seven in all. And it’s an important member of the TOP 100 listings. Later, the clashed version of the VAM 41 received its own variety designation from Van Allen, VAM 41B, making this Mint State specimen that much more desirable. Here, the VAM number is attributed on the holder, and as for the coin itself, its lustrous surfaces display some golden toning, which further adds to its allure. |
$253.13 |
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1878-CC VAM 6 ANACS MS61 PL (Lot 16008)
There are a number of important 1878-CC die varieties, and all are intensely sought-after by VAM collectors. Near the top of the list is the VAM 6, with its strongly doubled leaves in Liberty’s head-dress, its doubled ear, and the major shift in the date. It shares this same obverse with the VAM 18, but has a unique mintmark where the right “C” touches the wreath. Here, the original golden toning around the periphery and the frosty surfaces result in a coin with extremely strong eye appeal. A super specimen for the grade! |
$596.25 |
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1878-CC VAM 13 ANACS AU55 (Lot 16010)
The Wild West mystique of the Carson City Mint has spilled over into the collecting of “CC” dollars. In fact, there is an entire segment of the hobby devoted to “CC” dollars in GSA holders. Now, with all the research that’s going on, 1878-CC varieties are starting to take their place in VAM collecting. The VAM 13 offered here is particularly interesting, as it has a doubled die obverse similar to VAMs 6 and 18, with doubling on the date and Liberty’s ear, but no doubling on the leaves and other features of the bonnet. In any case, there’s only light wear on the high points of this example, and it’s extremely choice in every respect. |
$140.63 |
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1879-O VAM 4 ANACS AU58 (Lot 16011)
"O/Horizontal O" or "O/O/O" is the question! Nobody knows for sure, but there's no question about the fact that the 1879-O VAM 4 is a highly prized variety. The specimen offered here is particularly nice, with peripheral golden brown toning offsetting the Semi Proof-Like surfaces. This one is a lot of coin for the money! |
$140.63 |
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1880-O VAM 48/1A PCGS MS62 (Lot 16013)
The "Hangnail Eagle" variety developed a large following as the VAM 1A. The fact that 1880-O is a much better date in Mint State, has made the search for these that much more difficult. Hence, this MS62 represents the perfect grade for acquiring a really nice specimen without spending a fortune for it. And for most collectors on a budget, this may be the finest grade possible. Our hand-picked example is particularly nice, with a super strike for an 80-O and lots of mint frost on the devices. This may be MS62 for PCGS, but this beauty would probably be an MS63 for just about everyone else! |
$344.25 |
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1883-P VAM 10 PCGS MS63 (Lot 16015)
How important is this particular coin? Many specialists place it among the TOP 10 of the TOP 100! Indeed, just the presence of an 1883-P Sextupled Stars VAM 10 in MS63 can be the measure of any VAM auction. There are only two PCGS MS64 examples of this legendary coin known, and nothing higher, so MS63 is, in effect, tied for 3rd finest! And as for the jewel offered here, its frosty surfaces, the smooth cheek on Liberty, and the hint of peripheral toning all combine to produce a specimen with amazing eye appeal. How amazing? This may be the prettiest coin in today’s auction! |
$2,193.75 |
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1883-O/O VAM 4 PCGS MS63 DMPL (Lot 16016)
When was the last time you saw a TOP 100 variety in a PCGS MS63 DMPL holder offered for sale in the marketplace? Probably not for a very long time. They’ve simply disappeared! But here is an 1883-O/O VAM 4 in just such a grade. White, with a few marks here and there, this specimen is solid for the grade, with nice fields and lustrous devices. Now you can no longer ask, where are all the PCGS TOP 100 coins? Here is an MS63 DMPL! |
$163.13 |
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1884-P VAM 4 PCGS MS63 (Lot 16017)
Few Morgan dollar varieties generate more discussion than the two "Dot Varieties" of 1884. Both the VAM 3 "Large Dot" and the VAM 4 "Small Dot" varieties display a raised dot of metal next to Morgan’s “M” initial on both sides of the coin. The VAM 4, which is offered here, is generally the rarer of the two varieties, but both are heavily pursued by collectors. In terms of rarity, the total PCGS population of the VAM 4 in MS64 or better condition is 9 coins. This makes this MS63 tied for 10 finest known. Moreover, its splendid surfaces and super eye appeal probably put this one at the head of the class. It would not be surprising to see this one re-sold as a raw MS64 or MS65! |
$281.25 |
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1884-O VAM 39 PCGS MS63 (Lot 16018)
Here's one we haven't seen before. It's an 1884-O VAM 39, the features of which Van Allen describes as "slight doubling on arrow feathers, shafts and heads on lower edge and some feathers between legs. II-O mint mark filled almost flush." The coin itself is a gorgeous MS63+ with super luster and a smooth cheek. |
$73.13 |
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1885-O Unattributed PCGS MS63 DMPL (Lot 16019)
I sometimes think it would be easier to win the L.A. Marathon, than get a DMPL out of PCGS. (If you know what I look like, you’d see the irony!) Anyway, here is an 1885-O in PCGS MS63 DMPL. This PQ coin has a mark on Liberty’s cheek which keeps it from a much higher grade, Liberty is super frosty and the mirrors are extraordinary. Worth mentioning is the fact that you can’t touch a 63 DMPL in today’s market for anything near the Greysheet value of $68. But in a PCGS holder it’s a lot more than that… if you can find one! |
$111.38 |
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1886-O VAM 1A ANACS MS60 (Lot 16020)
The 1886-O VAM 1A with its simply amazing "Clashed E" on the lower reverse is on every VAM collector's Hit List. It was featured in Mark Kimpton's Clashed Die book, and this specimen, with its seven clashes on the reverse, is among the finest known. Furthermore, the 1886-O as a date is a widely recognized rarity in Mint State. Taking both facts into account, it's obvious that the appearance of an MS60 VAM 1A is a landmark event. This cataloger has only seen three BU's. In any case, there's the typical contact on Liberty’s cheek, but the luster is full and the at arm’s length the coin looks like an 1886-O in MS63. Certainly, there aren’t many VAM 1A's that are better than this one! |
$675.00 |
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1887-P VAM 12 NGC MS63 DMPL (Lot 16022)
Ah, the "Alligator Eye" variety. Because it is a relatively common VAM, this cataloger once described it as "common as dirt!" Well, it may not be that common, but the VAM 12 is readily available in all grades up through MS64. True enough, but where the variety becomes much more interesting is in PL and DMPL. Indeed, the population thins out radically in Deep Mirror Proof-like, as VAMview lists a total of 137 VAM 12 tranactions since 1995, and only one is DMPL Now, that's rare! |
$281.25 |
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1887-O VAM 28 ANACS MS62 PL (Discovery Coin) (Lot 16023)
Here is the actual discovery coin for an intriguing new variety, the 1887-O VAM 28. First of all, it has "doubled stars" on the obverse, along with doubling on E PLURIBUS UNUM. This would be enough to get the pulse-rate up for most collectors, but it’s also a Misplaced Date variety with "18-7" in the denticles. Van Allen was impressed with this coin, and so are we! And no, it’s not in VF condition like most new discoveries. It’s in an ANACS MS62 Proof-like holder! |
$140.63 |
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1887-O VAM 22 ANACS AU55 (Lot 16024)
The 1887-O VAM 22 displays incredible doubling on the obverse, with Liberty’s eyelid strongly doubled, along with the left-most stars and lower cotton leaf. This alone would have warranted its inclusion in the TOP 100. But it is also the earlier die state of an even more amazing variety, the VAM 22A which has the same obverse and dramatic pitting on the lower reverse. Actually, the VAM 22A was discovered first, so VAM 22 wasn’t mentioned n the TOP 100 book, but it’s actually the rarer of the two. This attractive piece grades in the upper 25 percent of the VAM 22 specimens known. |
$84.38 |
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1887-O VAM 22A PCGS MS61 (Lot 16025)
The buyer of this coin will undoubtedly ask why it’s in an MS61 holder. Yes, the strike is weak and the luster isn’t exactly "booming" out. But this is what this ultra-late die state looks like. Certainly, this is one of the finest this cataloger has seen! The proceeding lot is the earlier die state with the strong doubled eyelid obverse. But the "22A" shows spectacular die pitting on the lower reverse as well, which must have occurred near the end of the production run. Without question, this is an incredibly attractive example of this very rare variety. |
$253.13 |
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1887-O VAM 30(A) PCGS MS62 (Lot 16026)
The obverse of the 1887-O VAM 30 has, according to Van Allen, a minor Doubled Ear. This alone would not get collectors interested, but the late clashed die state, the VAM 30A, is definitely something to get excited about. Instead of a typical Clashed “E” reverse, the VAM 30A has a “Clashed TY” reverse, which is unique in the Morgan dollar series. As for the grade, Liberty’s cheek is a bit baggy, but the luster is excellent, and the overall look is good enough to warrant a PCGS MS62 grade. Nice. |
$376.88 |
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1888-P VAM 19 PCGS MS62 (Bass Collection) (Lot 16027)
Having sold one of these 1888-P VAM 19 specimens in an earlier VAMquest auction, here is the second and last of the run. Bass was one of most prominent coin collectors of all time, and his famous name appears on the PCGS holder. What is a VAM 19? It shows doubled left stars and the date slants upward to the right. But the key here is the historical significance of owning a piece from the famous Bass Collection. Imagine what this would bring on EBay! |
$90.00 |
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1890-O VAM 10 PCGS MS62 (Lot 16028)
For more than a decade, the 1890-O VAM 10 "Comet" variety has been a favorite of collectors. The unusual series of diagonal die gouges to the right of the date gives the variety its name. This is the more valuable "early die state" with clearly defined gouges, whereas on the late die state the gouges have almost disappeared from the struck coin. As for condition, this lustrous, well struck PCGS MS62 example has outstanding eye appeal, and would probably grade much higher in the slab of another company! |
$168.75 |
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1899-O VAM 5 NGC AU55 (Lot 16029)
Since the early days of VAM collecting, the 1899-O VAM 5 has been considered the key Micro O variety. New Micro O varieties have since been discovered, but the VAM 5 is still a major rarity that’s on everyone’s Hit List. Condition-wise, it’s very scarce in grades up through XF, rare in slabbed AU, and is almost impossible to find in Mint State. The coin offered here, which is in an NGC holder, shows good luster for a circulated coin, and has some wispy stray marks. But overall, it’s quite attractive. For such an important rarity, you could do a lot worse than this one! |
$241.88 |
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1902-O VAM 42 ANACS MS65 (Lot 16031)
Okay, here’s a quiz. What 1902-O variety has a Doubled Eyelid, Doubled Ear and 2-Olive Reverse? We weren’t sure either, but the consignor identified this specimen as the VAM 42. All we can say is that we bet you don’t have one! The grade is MS65, with a clean, smooth cheek on Liberty, nice luster and a typically strong strike. If anyone has a better 1902-O VAM 42, we’d like to hear about it! |
$191.25 |
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1904-O Unattributed PCGS MS64 (Lot 16032)
This golden beauty should thrill anyone enamored with toning on U.S. silver dollars! As is typical of PCGS MS64 examples, the surfaces are consistently superb. And adding to its appeal, the reverse is Proof-Like. The least that can be said is that it would be difficult to improve on this stunning MS64! |
$50.63 |
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1921-P Unattributed ANACS MS64 (Lot 16034)
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. |
$28.13 |
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1922-D VAM 2E PCGS MS63 (Lot 16035)
Die Breaks are the bread and butter varieties of the Peace dollar series, as Doubled dies, Pitted dies, and other variety types just don’t seem to generate the same excitement. Here is an unusual Die Break variety, the 1922-D VAM 2E, with the first two letters in TRUST connected at the top by a Die Break. It’s not often seen, and Van Allen has assigned it an R-6 rarity rating. But best of all, this unusual variety is in a PCGS MS63 holder! |
$84.38 |
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1922-D VAM 3 ANACS AU55 (Lot 16036)
The 1922-D is one of those under-appreciated VAMs in the Peace dollar TOP 50 which receive little or no attention until someone tries to put together a complete set. Then, they realize it’s easier to find some of the “big-time” varieties than any of the 1922-D or 1922-S TOP 50 varieties. As a result, many of the top collections have to settle for an AU example, if they hope to complete their TOP 50. So, this may be a rare opportunity acquire an example of this scarce TOP 50 variety. |
$106.88 |
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1923-P VAM 1V PCGS MS62 (Lot 16037)
Because of their dramatic Die Breaks, the seven or eight known 1923-P “Extra Hair” varieties have taken on a life all their own. It seems that everyone is looking for them, and the prices that they get on EBay astound even the Peace dollar VAM specialists. Among the more popular “Extra Hair” varieties is the VAM 1V. It’s included in the PCGS Registry, so it’s possible to get the VAM number on the holder, as is the case with this specimen. And as for the grade, most dealers and collectors would undoubtedly say this lustrous example is too good for MS62, and should grade at least MS63. But that’s to the buyer’s benefit here! |
$151.88 |
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1925-S VAM 2 PCGS MS62 (Lot 16038)
1925-S is a fascinating date in the Peace dollar series. A quick look at its Greysheet listings indicates a true condition rarity in Mint State. MS63 is $168, MS64 is $850 and MS65 is $17,500! Hence, there is great pressure on MS62-63 coins before they hit the Pivotal Point of MS64. For the TOP 50 1925-S VAM 2, PCGS MS62 represents the perfect grade if you don’t have a king’s ransom to pay for a high end BU specimen. |
$675.00 |
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*Price includes the buyers premium.
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