| Winning Lots from Auction #19 |
| Lot Image |
Lot Name (Lot #)
Description |
Price Realized* |
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1878 8TF VAM 19 PCGS MS62 (Lot 19002)
8TF specimens are often considered the caviar of variety collecting. Why? The individual die pairs had ridiculously low mintages, which is why there were so many attempts in early 1878 to change the design. While the VAM 19 is one of the more available 8TF varieties, even this variety gets the attention of collectors when it’s offered in a no-questions-asked PCGS holder. Here, the fields are semi Proof-like, the detail is sharp and Liberty’s cheek shows excellent luster. In fact, this one “looks” like an arms-length MS64! |
$151.88 |
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1878 7/8TF VAM 34 PCGS AU58 (Lot 19004)
It’s frequently said in numismatics (and in love songs) that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose! Well, here’s the sad story. The purchaser of this coin decided to cross over his scarce 1878 VAM 34 specimen from an NGC MS62 slab into a PCGS holder. One look at this extremely attractive variety, with its minimal marks and reflective surfaces, and you’d no doubt agree. Unfortunately for him, the coin came back PCGS AU58. So, it’s priced accordingly here, but like rubbing salt in the wound, the NGC MS62 label is attached to the back of the slab. Looks (and may be) MS62! |
$123.75 |
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1878 7TF VAM 79 PCGS MS62 (Lot 19006)
We’ve often said that the VAM 79 is a “sleeper” in the HOT 50 set. This scarce 1878 7-TF variety is one of the two rarest 7-TF B1 varieties, and judging from Ebay sales, even the common 7-TF B1 VAMs are currently selling at significant premiums. This VAM 79 is a gorgeous specimen with silky surfaces and lots of eye appeal. And the grade is super conservative. If the label said MS64, not one in ten knowledgeable collectors would even bat an eye. Yes, it’s that good! |
$252.57 |
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1878 7TF VAM 84A PCGS MS62 (Lot 19007)
The 1878 7TF VAM 84 may be the most common of the B1 Reverses, but the presence of a very faint “E” clash mark on the reverse makes all the difference. And as a late die state, the VAM 84A has developed quite a following. Some contact on the cheek warrants the grade, but the overall countenance of the coin shouts out “nice quality!” P.S. Remember the cost of the PCGS slab with the VAM number on the label plus postage is now $40-$50! |
$95.25 |
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1878 7TF VAM 110 PCGS MS64 (Lot 19008)
The 1878 7TF VAM 110 is one of three \"Broken N & M\" 7TF varieties, and is the only one that\'s presently obtainable. Obtainable, that is, in grades up through MS63. But here we have an awesome PCGS MS64 specimen, and as we all know, there are no 7TF coins commonly found in PCGS MS64 holders! Even better, this holder is one of the old “Rattlers.” (Note the coin has moved around 90 degrees in the slab!) Super surfaces and frosty devices are the hallmark here! (PCGS Registry ready.) |
$219.38 |
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1878 7TF VAM 169 ANACS MS61 (Lot 19010)
If \"doubled stars\" are your cup of tea, then the 7-TF VAM 169 is your variety. In fact, you’ll join a chorus of other VAM specialists in singing its praises, which is why it was included in the HOT 50 listings. Here, there’s contact on Liberty’s cheek and neck consistent with the grade, but the luster is fine. Also worth noting is what’s sometimes called “ANACS toning,” which appears at K-12 on the obverse and K-6 on the reverse, caused by the earlier holders. |
$293.63 |
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1878 7TF Rev.79 VAM 203 PCGS MS64 (Lot 19011)
Most Morgan dollar varieties are not as easily identified as the 1878 VAM 203 \"Short Leaf\" variety. This feature can be seen at a distance, and the fact that it is a valuable TOP 100 variety makes it worthwhile to track down specimens. This example impressed the graders at PCGS enough to grade it MS64. How good is that grade? Well, PCGS lists only 6 better! So, this lustrous coin gives new meaning to “Registry Ready.” |
$444.38 |
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1878-S VAM 50 ANACS AU53 (Lot 19012)
Some varieties seem to sell themselves. Long before the listings for the HIT LIST were compiled, the 1878-S VAM 50, with its Tripled Eye, produced buzz everywhere you went in the VAM world. There was a mad dash to acquire the occasional specimen that entered the marketplace and large premiums were associated with this variety. Want specifics? One well known dealer is listing an MS63 for $2200 in his catalog. Now that’s a premium! In terms of condition, there are lots of bag marks on the obverse, but the Minimum Bid for this rare coin is only $75! ‘Nuff said… |
$174.38 |
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1879-S Rev. 78 VAM 9 PCGS MS63 (Lot 19013)
One of the most important sets of Morgan dollar varieties is the 1879-S Reverse of 1878 VAMs. These 1879-S anomalies were the result of using leftover reverse dies from the prior year. Of course, in other years, we wouldn’t know the difference, but 1878-S reverses had “Flat Breasts” and 1879-S reverses had “Round Breasts,” so the difference here was obvious. The scarcity of these Rev.78 varieties is legendary, and the vast majority grade MS62 or lower. So, the PCGS MS63 specimen offered here is something special. Liberty’s cheek is frosted with barely a mark visible, and the overall “look” of both the obverse and reverse are sensational. Why this jewel isn’t in an MS64 holder is beyond us! But we guarantee the buyer of this coin will be thrilled. |
$349.88 |
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1880-O VAM 7 ANACS AU53 (Lot 19014)
For anyone who’s been in a deep coma for the last few months, let me say that the next listing of Morgan dollar varieties has now been published. Called the HIT LIST 40, this focus on spectacular coins not already listed in the TOP 100 and HOT 50 includes the 1880-O VAM 7 offered here. It’s the first time we’ve had one of these in one of our auctions, and we hope it’s just the beginning. The “1” and the “8” in the date are unique, with strange gouges above and to the right of the numerals. There’s good news and bad news here. There is light contact over much of the obverse, but the luster is simply exceptional for an 80-O. So, what is this extremely attractive specimen worth? You be the judge. |
$51.74 |
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1882-O/S VAM 3 ANACS AU55 (Lot 19015)
As all VAM specialists know, there were three O/S die pairs used in 1882. But what many collectors don’t know is that the VAM 3 Late Die State is much rarer than the VAM 4 or VAM 5. In fact, it is many multiples rarer. For that reason, this cataloger has always sought out VAM 3 specimens. The example offered here has the typical marks almost always found on this variety, and the ANACS AU55 grade might be a bit optimistic. But overall, the coin has lots of luster and is quite attractive. |
$48.38 |
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1882-O/O VAM 7 NGC MS63 (Lot 19016)
The 1882-O VAM 7 has one of the best Repunched Mintmarks in the Morgan dollar series. Of course, there had to be some reason why it was included in the original TOP 100 listings! Here, there’s plenty of mint frost on the devices, the O/O variety feature is sharp, and the coin itself is one mark away from a higher grade. To sum things up, this is a nice lustrous specimen of a scarce and popular variety. |
$129.38 |
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1884-P VAM 5 ANACS MS62 (Lot 19017)
The 1884-P VAM 5 just hasn’t generated the excitement that most of the other HOT 50 VAMs have. And we don’t know why. Doubled Ear varieties tend to be quite popular. Look no further than the 1891-P VAM 2, 2A VAMs. The 1884-P VAM 5 seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle, since it is certainly not easily obtainable. In any case, the specimen here shows contact consistent with the grade, but the luster is excellent and the fields are semi Proof-like. VAMVIEW lists MS62 at $500! |
$146.25 |
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1886-O/O VAM 7 ANACS AU50 (Lot 19018)
Talk about a major rarity! This cataloger has only seen one Mint State example of the 1886-O/O VAM 7, so AU specimens are basically top-of-the-line. And even in AU, this variety is rarely encountered. That’s why the 2008 VAMVIEW Index lists this rare bird in AU at $500. The specimen here shows the typical marks of most 86-O coins, but the luster is solid and the coin is attractive, with a touch of toning around the periphery. |
$322.50 |
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1887-S/S VAM 2 PCGS MS63 (Lot 19019)
The 1887-S VAM 2 is an interesting variety with a clearly repunched mintmark. But what is intriguing here is the importance of grade, when it comes to rarity. The VAM 2 is quite common in circulated grades. It’s less common in MS61 and MS62, but then becomes scarce in MS63 and rare in MS64 or higher. So, this PCGS MS63 is at the pivotal point in terms of value. The coin itself is a bit grungy, but PCGS felt an MS63 grade is warranted due to a lack of marks and the underlying luster. It may not be the best VAM 2 in existence, but it’s better than the vast majority of specimens. One more point, it’s PCGS Registry ready. (By the way, a major dealer this week is listing a PCGS MS63 at $400!) |
$236.25 |
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1888-O VAM 21 PCGS VF20 (Lot 19021)
Generally speaking, this cataloger doesn’t find “VF20” a very exciting grade for Morgan dollar varieties. But I’m coming around to the fact that in order to complete all of the PCGS Registry Sets, it’s sometimes necessary to accept such low grades. With this in mind, we enthusiastically agreed to handle this scarce 1888-O VAM 17 “Oval O” specimen, which is solid for the grade. And the price is certainly right, as well. The cost of the PCGS slab ($25), plus the label ($20), plus round-trip postage ($8) adds up to $53, so the coin is basically free! |
$59.63 |
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1890-O VAM 10 NGC MS63 (Lot 19022)
Ah, the 1890-O “Comet” variety! It’s been a popular VAM since the early days of Morgan dollar variety collecting. And it enjoys a whimsical name, based on the diagonal die gouges to the right of the date. Even in today’s market, nice specimens are getting hard to find, so we’re pleased to offer this NGC MS63 example. Here, the variety feature is exceedingly sharp, but the strike is less than full. Even so, both obverse and reverse are beginning to tone around the devices, and the coin is quite appealing. |
$140.63 |
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1890-O VAM 20 ANACS AU55 Cleaned (Lot 19023)
We normally don’t handle \"cleaned\" coins in our premier auctions, but this coin is so RARE that we just couldn’t turn it down. In fact, this may be the first time an 1890-O VAM 20 has ever been offered at auction! Why is it so important? This variety will be a key component in the yet-to-be-released HIT LIST 40 book, which will make its debut early in 2009! The implication is that now may be the time to acquire this variety, as well as others, that have been included the listings. Oh yes, about the cleaning. We see marks on the surfaces, including a light scratch on the cheek, but little if any evidence of cleaning, In any case, the luster is excellent, the strike is typical of a 90-O, and the AU55 \"details\" grade is appropriate. |
$146.25 |
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1896-O VAM 19 ANACS XF45 (Lot 19025)
he 1896-O VAM 19 is a major Repunched Date variety that is part of the up-coming HIT LIST 40. This exciting variety hasn’t crossed the radar screen of most collectors yet, but we anticipate a major thrust to find more specimens when the HIT LIST book comes out. This example is a very lustrous XF45 specimen with marks consistent with the grade. The surprise here is the hint of reflectivity in the fields. Nice for the grade!. |
$151.88 |
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1900-O VAM 15 PCGS MS64 (Lot 19027)
If this spectacular doubling of the obverse stars were found on say, a U.S. nickel or quarter, you’d have a five-figure variety on your hands. But the 1900-O VAM 15 has become almost mundane in the VAM world. That said, this PCGS MS64 specimen should be regarded as something special. Certainly, the grade and the holder are special, but more than that, this is a truly Premium Quality coin. Indeed, smooth, frosty surfaces abound. Also worth noting is the fact that the VAM number on the PCGS label adds another $20 to its value and helps its future liquidity. |
$95.63 |
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1921-P VAM 3C ANACS AU58 With Rim Clip (Lot 19029)
This cataloger has always been a big fan of VAM varieties with Planchet or Striking errors. Here we offer a 1921-P VAM 3C with Pitted Die Reverse, that also has a Rim Clip plus a Lamination error. That’s quite a combination! The luster is a bit subdued, but the detail for AU58 is all there. And a few scratches in the left field on the reverse are all that detract. But you can’t take away the fact that this is an interesting specimen! |
$84.38 |
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1921-P VAM 3E ANACS MS63 (Lot 19030)
The same consignor who provided the last lot, the 1921-P VAM 3C with Pitted Reverse and Rim Clip, also consigned this lot, a 1921-P VAM 3E with Pitted Reverse. Here the coin has wonderful luster for a 21-P and detail worthy of the grade. Looking for 1921-P with Pitted Reverse? You\'d be hard pressed to find a better one than this! |
$84.38 |
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1922-P VAM 7(b) PCGS MS62 (Lot 19031)
TOP 50 Peace dollar varieties in PCGS holders represent a magic combination for some collectors. Just check the prices they receive at auction or at coin shows around the country. The 1922-P VAM 7(b) offered here is just such a coin. Note that there are two obverses with the VAM 7 Doubled Wing Reverse, and the 7(b), with a “dot” between the “T” and “R” of TRUST, is the rarer of the two. Here, the contact on the cheek warrants the PCGS grade, but overall the coin is excellent. A variety feature that’s crystal clear and blazing luster that’s especially impressive are the key points here. |
$73.13 |
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1923-P VAM 1AB ANACS MS62 (Lot 19033)
One of the hottest, if not THE hottest, types of varieties in the Peace dollar series is the so-called “Extra Hair” varieties. These major die breaks, located anywhere in Liberty’s hair, are particularly prevalent on 1923-P silver dollars, and there’s often a frenzy when these varieties become available. Well, we’re offering a 1923-P VAM 1AB here, with a die break near the back of Liberty’s hair. The effect is eye-popping. While the luster is subdued, which accounts for the MS62 grade, there was no question in the minds of ANACS graders this is a true Mint State example of this seldom seen variety. |
$111.38 |
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1924-P VAM 2 PCGS MS62 (Lot 19035)
This TOP 50 variety has a Doubled Die Reverse, with doubling on the eagle’s back tail-feathers and along the bottom edges of the rays above ONE. On this example there are a few marks here and there, but PCGS is tough on serious marks, and obviously this coin passed the grade. In fact, because it’s in a PCGS holder means it’s conservatively graded. No doubt, this VAM 2 is lots of coin for the money! |
$84.38 |
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1925-P VAM 5 PCGS MS63 (Lot 19036)
Most of the Peace dollar varieties listed in the TOP 50 are part of a few general categories, such as Doubled Dies, Die Gouges and Die Breaks. But the 1925-P VAM 5 is a different kind of variety, which spotlights die polishing. One result of dramatic over-polishing is the fascinating marks and lines everywhere on the reverse. Another is the polishing away of design features, like the top ray under the eagle’s tail-feathers. Hence, the VAM 5 “Missing Ray” moniker. In any case, this is an exciting specimen is already in a PCGS holder, so crossing over is not a problem. |
$111.38 |
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*Price includes the buyers premium.
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