| Winning Lots from Auction #20 |
| Lot Image |
Lot Name (Lot #)
Description |
Price Realized* |
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1878 8TF VAM 14.15 PCGS AU50 (Lot 20001)
What a way to start an auction – an ultra-rare 8TF VAM 14.15 in AU50 condition! How good is that? Simply put, there are no known Mint State specimens of this super rarity, so AU is top of the line! And as for quality, this VAM 14.5 is already slabbed in a PCGS AU50 holder! With a stunning Proof-Like reverse and lots of luster and sharp detail on the obverse, this specimen would fit comfortably in any of the finest PCGS Registry Sets! |
$3,999.38 |
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1878 8TF VAM 14.1 PCGS MS63 (Lot 20002)
This is what’s called a “generic” 8TF dollar. By that we mean the VAM 14.1 is one of the non-premium 8TF varieties of 1878. Even so, any 8TF in a PCGS MS63 holder more often than not sells for a significant premium over raw or non PCGS coins. Why? PCGS slabs generally weed out all the over-graded, problem coins that one encounters on EBay or elsewhere. And consistent with our line of reasoning, the VAM 14.1 offered here is a lustrous, high-end 8TF example. |
$146.25 |
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1878 8TF VAM 18 PCGS MS64 (Mint Error) (Lot 20003)
Any kind of silver dollar Mint Error dated 1878 is as rare as hen’s teeth! And seldom, if ever, does an actual 8TF error coin enter the marketplace. Indeed, this 8TF VAM 18 in a PCGS MS63 holder would normally attract considerable attention in one of our auctions. But most importantly, this VAM 18 is an error coin. What happened? A piece of bristle from a wire brush apparently landed on the die, and was struck into the die face. It subsequently fell out, but left a curved, incuse line under the “O” in OF on the struck coin. Brushes were often used during maintenance of the coin presses, but such errors are amazingly rare. (We once saw an 1885-O with the same tell-tale evidence.) And the excellent quality here is unusual. Mint Errors often are problem coins, but this PCGS MS63 is an impressive, near MS64 specimen. Nice. |
$450.00 |
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1878 7/8TF VAM 40 PCGS MS63 (Lot 20005)
VAM 40, the one “Broken N&M” 7/8TF variety, has charmed variety collectors for years. And this specimen is a beauty. With Semi Proof-like fields and smooth, lustrous surfaces, here is everything a collector could hope for in a Premium Quality 7/8TF specimen. Designated “strong” by PCGS, this hand-picked jewel shows light golden toning on both sides, and a photo simply doesn’t do it justice! |
$253.13 |
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1878 7TF VAM 145 ANACS AU58 (Lot 20007)
We often get asked, What’s the next big thing in VAMs? We answer there are two new specialties on the horizon. The first is the HIT LIST 40 book, which will released in early 2009. And the second is the 1878 7TF Set of varieties, which will be supported by the release of a book and a CD-ROM. One of the star performers of the 7TF Set is the coin offered here, the VAM 145. There are probably less than a dozen BU specimens known, so this AU58 example is near the top of the heap. Just a wisp away from Mint State, there are a few marks on Liberty’s cheek that cement the grade. Also, we note that the surfaces are a bit grungy, but grading surfaces reward “original” surfaces these days! Rare and desirable. |
$106.88 |
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1878 7TF VAM 168 ANACS AU50 (Lot 20008)
The 1878 7TF VAM 168 has been a big surprise to many hobbyists. Specialists have long known that it was a rare variety in Mint State, but few anticipated just how rare it actually was. The fact is that we have never encountered a true BU example of the VAM 168! Of course, that makes AU specimens, like this one, that much more desirable! Here, we note surface marks consistent with the grade, but overall the coin is exceedingly attractive, with solid luster, excellent detail, and lots of eye appeal. |
$180.00 |
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1878 7TF Rev79 VAM 210B PCGS MS63 (Lot 20009)
For some unexplained reason, it seems to be difficult to get 1878 7TF Rev79 specimens into PCGS holders grading MS63 or above. In fact, MS65 is now listed in the Greysheet at $2100. If the R-5 VAM 210B offered here is typical of what PCGS expects in an MS63, then it’s no wonder so few get into these holders. Liberty’s cheek is white and frosty, the fields show few marks of any kind, and the overall “look” is one or two grades higher. Nice! |
$135.00 |
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1878-S VAM 22 PCGS AU55 (Lot 20010)
The 1878-S VAM 22 has always been considered a significant rarity. And the fact that the same dramatic “Doubled RIB” obverse was listed in the VAM Book with a different reverse has long fascinated VAM collectors. The unmistakable VAM 22 Reverse has the “S” mintmark shifted far to the left. On this specimen, there’s a bit of surface contact consistent with PCGS standards, but the highly lustrous surfaces and semi Proof-like fields make this one something special. How rare is it? A well-known dealer had a Mint State specimen listed several weeks ago at $2000+. This PCGS coin is a bit cheaper... |
$168.75 |
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1880-P VAM 11 ANACS MS64 (Lot 20012)
“Checkmark” overdate varieties have become all the rage in VAM collecting. There are 1880-P, 1880-O, 1880-S and 1880-CC “Checkmark” varieties, and the 1880-P VAM 11 has been carried along by the high tide of popularity. This top-grade consignment specimen shows some marks under magnification, but looks MS65 at arm’s length! Lots of luster and smooth surfaces contribute to this coin’s considerable eye appeal. |
$230.63 |
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1880-O VAM 57 PCGS MS62 (Lot 20013)
We like to offer some unusual items in each of our auctions, and the 1880-O VAM 57 certainly is out of the ordinary. In fact, the VAM 47 has probably never been offered for sale before. So, what is it? Two remarkable die gouges identify this R-5 variety, one horizontal line where the eagle’s right wing joins the body, and the other a prominent spike jutting out from the eagle’s right leg. And being in a PCGS holder is a major plus. There’s lots of luster, the semi Proof-Like reverse is outstanding, and the grading is quite conservative. We’ll bet that that within five minutes of owning this coin, the buyer will claim with good reason it’s an MS63! |
$185.63 |
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1881-O VAM 27 ANACS MS61 (Lot 20014)
Here’s a rarity that’s just now crossing the radar screens of variety specialists. Indeed, as more and more collectors are attempting to complete the HOT 50 set, it’s becoming increasingly clear just how scarce the 1881-O VAM 27 is! This attractive Mint State specimen shows some contact on Liberty’s cheek, so the grade is warranted. But the bold luster and strong detail add much to its desirability. |
$317.25 |
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1883-O Unattriubted PCGS MS64 (Lot 20015)
If this isn’t an MS65 look-alike, then we don’t know what one looks like! And to make things even more interesting, we’ve listed it in the auction at $1! The slightly reflective obverse, with its clean, white cheek, is as near to “mark-free” as an MS64 can get. And the sharp strike and amazing eye appeal complete the deal. If you can find any PCGS MS64 Morgans that surpass this coin, please send them to us and we’ll gladly take them off your hands. An amazing coin! |
$67.50 |
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1883-O VAM 36A ANACS MS63 (Lot 20016)
We‘ve often said that “E” on Reverse clashed die varieties represent the high point in collecting the various clashes found in the Morgan dollar series. The 1883-O VAM 36A, along with its VAM 22A counterpart, are a key part of the clashed die group. First of all, note that the ANACS holder says the coin is a VAM 22. Although quite similar, the variety in this holder is a VAM 36A. And for you die state fanatics, what’s interesting here is the Proof-Like obverse and the non Proof-Like reverse combination! |
$85.28 |
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1884-O VAM 10 ANACS MS63 DMPL (Lot 20017)
This so-called “O/CC” variety has engendered much discussion over the years, but it’s hard now to see what all the fuss was about. The 1884-O VAM 10 is clearly an “O/O” variety, not an “O/CC.” This particular specimen, which has rotated in the ANACS holder (No, it doesn’t have Rotated Dies!), is notable for its reflective surfaces. These Proof-Like fields tend to emphasize every contact mark, but there’s nice contrast between the devices and the fields. Would I grade this an MS63 DMPL? ANACS, yes. PCGS, no. Even so, this DMPL HOT 50 specimen would thrill most VAM collectors. |
$106.88 |
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1884-O VAM 25 ANACS MS63 (Lot 20018)
Coins with Misplaced Dates (MPDs) in the denticles haven’t really caught on in the VAM market. Why? Most of these varieties show such a limited piece of a date numeral that imagination seems to play as big a part as the feature itself! Well, here’s the exception. The 1884-O VAM 25 was included in the HOT 50, because there is no doubt that the curved line in the denticles below the “8” is the top of another “8.” As for the grade, the MS63 on the holder may be a little on the low side, while the key for this outstanding specimen is Liberty’s frosty white cheek. |
$78.75 |
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1886-O VAM 1A ANACS MS62 (Lot 20020)
Few collectors have ever heard of, much less seen, a Mint State 1886-O VAM 1A. Needless to say, any non-variety 1886-O in BU condition is extremely rare in its own right. Add to that a rare “Clashed E” on the reverse, and you have the prescription for ultra desirable variety. In Auction #20, VAMquest is pleased to offer just such a BU 1886-O VAM 1A in ANACS MS62. And this one is not one of those cleaned up examples that are making the rounds! The luster is there. The strike is there. And the clashed “E” is amazingly strong. This 2-clashed specimen has peripheral golden toning that completes the whole breath-taking package! |
$871.88 |
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1887-S/S VAM 2 PCGS AU58 (Lot 20021)
Talk about a strong “S/S” Repunched Mintmark! The 1887-S VAM 2 is one of the best, and that’s why it was a natural choice for the TOP 100. Sadly, this particular specimen was a heart-breaker, as it was purchased as an MS62, and probably would have been at least that grade in many holders other than PCGS. But here it’s an AU58. Full luster and somewhat reflective fields combine to the point most collectors would swear this is a beautiful BU coin! |
$101.25 |
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1891-O VAM 1B ANACS AU53 (Lot 20027)
The 1891-O with Pitted Die Reverse is one of the mega-stars of the HOT 50. The reason is that few, if any, Mint State specimens have come to light, leaving AU as the best available grade. And the pitting is extensive between the “E” of ONE and the “D” of DOLLAR, all the way up to the wreath. Many first-rare VAM collections lack the VAM 1B altogether! Nice luster on both sides, and a strong variety feature add to the allure of this highly prized rarity. |
$247.50 |
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1897-P VAM 6A PCGS MS64 (Lot 20029)
Some coins can take your breath away with their eye appeal. This 1897-P is one of those! There’s light golden-brown toning around the perimeter, which sets off the frosty white center designs. And the “look” is one of originality and Premium Quality. PCGS graders put it in an MS64 holder, and they were conservative at that. Priced at about the cost of the PCGS slab, label and postage, this beauty would be an “upgrade” for 99% of the VAM collectors in America. |
$95.63 |
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1900-P VAM 11 PCGS MS64 (Lot 20030)
The fact that this reverse is a C4/C3 may not make much difference to most bidders, but the strong doubling will certainly get everyone excited. The arrowheads, arrow shafts and the eagle’s right leg are all doubled, as well as other features on the reverse. And best of all, the grade is PCGS MS64, which puts it near the top of the grading range. This lustrous jewel is ready for a first class Registry Set. |
$84.38 |
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1902-O VAM 25 ANACS MS64 (Lot 20031)
Here is one of the varieties that made its way into the next VAM Attribution Book, the HIT LIST 40. Scheduled for release early next year, this compilation of important Morgan dollar varieties not included in the TOP 100 and HOT 50 will hopefully add some spice to the VAM market. The 1902-O “Doubled Ear” listing will include the VAM 25 variety offered here. One look at Liberty’s strongly doubled ear and eyelid, and you can see why it made the list! Some scattered contact on Liberty’s face is all that detracts from this frosty example. (And check out the VAMVIEW listed varlue!) |
$203.63 |
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1922-P VAM 8 PCGS AU58 (Lot 20037)
The strong doubling on the rays in Liberty’s tiara is the hallmark of this variety. In fact, the center rays appear to be split in two. As discoverer of the 1922-P VAM 8 variety, this cataloger was immediately impressed with this doubled die obverse, as were most other collectors. The only surprise has been the fact that it’s so much scarcer than originally thought. Cleaned/Problem coins abound, so a PCGS slab is a major plus here. Also, this all-white example displays solid luster and a hint of wear. |
$106.88 |
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1925-S VAM 2 PCGS AU50 (Lot 20038)
For those who appreciate a strongly doubled die, then the 1925-S VAM 2 may be the perfect TOP 50 variety for you. On the VAM 2 lower reverse, the doubling along the base of the leaves is so apparent, that only minimal magnification is needed to be thoroughly impressed. This white, lustrous PCGS example is all one could hope for in an AU specimen of this popular variety. |
$84.38 |
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*Price includes the buyers premium.
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