| Winning Lots from Auction #21 |
| Lot Image |
Lot Name (Lot #)
Description |
Price Realized* |
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1878 8TF VAM 14-7 PCGS AU58 (Lot 21001)
In VAMquest Auction #20, there was spirited bidding on the AU50 1878 8TF VAM 14.15, which took the hammer price to over $4000. Here, we offer a variety that’s every bit its equal. Both the VAM 14.7 and the VAM 14.15 are ultra-rarities, but the VAM 14.7 has the added plus that it’s the only non TOP 100/HOT 50 8TF variety showcased in the upcoming HIT LIST 40 book. In terms of condition, this VAM 14.7 has deeply mirrored surfaces which are partially obscured by its dark brown original toning, so PCGS saw fit to call it AU58. But the fact remains that this is a legendary rarity, which is seldom offered in any grade. How rare is it? The only sale we’re aware of occurred earlier this year when Van Allen’s MS62PL sold for $13,800. |
$6,298.88 |
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1878 8TF VAM 14-9 PCGS AU53 (Lot 21002)
It’s a great day when VAMquest Auctions can offer not one, but two legendary 8TF varieties, both of which have been authenticated and graded by PCGS. This AU53 1878 VAM 14.9 is a reprise from a prior auction, where the opening bid was set at $4500. Having what is known as an A1-n reverse, the VAM 14.9 shares this reverse with VAMs 14.13 and 14.16. All are highly sought-after and quite expensive. But for PCGS Registry players, the principal deterrent is not the price, but its unavailability. The coin offered here is a high grade specimen, with highly reflective fields, and smooth surfaces on Liberty’s cheek. Yes, this is a milestone for us, and an amazing opportunity for our bidders! |
$3,706.88 |
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1878 7/8TF VAM 34 ANACS MS63 PL (Lot 21004)
The 1878-P VAM 34 is a favorite of ours. It’s one of the three 7/8 TFs that have diagonal lines through the tail-feathers, namely VAMs 32, 34 and 45, and all are quite desirable. All three come with Proof-like fields and lots of eye appeal. The VAM 34 also has a later die state with clash marks, but only one or two specimens are presently known. The early die state offered here shows some bagmarks, but the surfaces are quite lustrous with highly reflective fields. Golden toning around the edges completes the picture. The effect is a truck-load of eye appeal! Scarce and desirable. |
$444.38 |
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1878 7/8TF VAM 42 PCGS MS63 (Lot 21005)
The 1878 VAM 42 stands out among the various 7/8TF varieties because it’s one of only two that display seven extra tail-feather tips under the eagle’s TFs. In PCGS parlance, this is as “Strong” as you can get! Besides the spectacular doubled TFs, VAM 42 tops out grade-wise at MS64, so this MS63 is near top-of-the-line quality. We also note the presence of strong clashing on the obverse, for which Van Allen assigns a VAM 42A designation. |
$360.00 |
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1878 7TF B1 Rev VAM 84 NGC MS64 PL (Lot 21006)
For those interested in coins that possess “drop-dead” beauty, here is the coin for you! This 1878-P VAM 84 is one of the top two or three most gorgeous coins we’ve offered in our first 21 auctions. And that’s saying a lot! There’s spectacular color around the perimeters, white devices, deeply mirrored fields, a needle-sharp strike, and almost flawless surfaces. One look and you’ll fall in love. We did! |
$281.25 |
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1878 7TF VAM 162 PCGS AU55 (Lot 21007)
In our opinion, this is an exciting coin. First of all, the 1878 7TF VAM 162 is an important HOT 50 variety which is scarce in all grades, but becomes particularly difficult to find above AU53. This is even more the case in PCGS holders, as it appears that many of the circulated examples have problems of one kind or another, and can’t get into a PCGS holder. And very few Mint State examples are presently known, making this lustrous Choice AU specimen especially desirable. (By the way, there’s an NGC AU53 on EBay this week 11/27/08 for $185.) |
$202.50 |
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1884-S Unattributed PCGS AU58 (Lot 21009)
The 1884-S is one of the most incredible dates in the Morgan dollar series, as it turns out that virtually all of its original mintage of 3,200,000 entered into circulation. As a result, shockingly few Mint State specimens survived, with MS60 specimens listed at $5000 in the Greysheet. And an MS65 is listed at $190,000!! What’s a PCGS AU58 worth? We’ve seen them well above a thousand dollars, but it’s not just a question of price. The example offered here is simply superb, with sharp detail and lots of eye appeal. In fact, 9 out of 10 collectors would swear it’s an MS62 or MS63 coin! This fully lustrous screamer is likely to be the finest specimen you or I will ever have the chance of owning. |
$1,406.25 |
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1885-P VAM 1A ANACS MS66 (Lot 21010)
Pitted Die Reverses represent a key component of the HOT 50, and the 1885-P VAM 1A is a star performer in that group. What can we say about this particular specimen? Simply put, this is the finest example we have encountered! And this cataloger’s been around since the 1970’s. Virtually no marks, even on Liberty’s cheek, combined with white silky luster and a hint of golden peripheral toning, serve to accent the central design. The result? One spectacular VAM 1A! It would be next to impossible to improve on this one. |
$592.86 |
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1887-P VAM 12 NGC MS63 (Lot 21011)
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, in numismatics, a name can be worth a thousand words! Just say “Alligator Eye” and you’ll see a trail of interested collectors, even though the 1887-P VAM 12 certainly isn’t rare. That said, this NGC MS63 specimen is particularly nice, with semi Proof-Like surfaces, a frosty cheek and a reverse that’s even one or two grades higher. |
$95.63 |
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1888-P Unattributed PCGS MS63 (Lot 21012)
Here’s one we just couldn’t resist picking up. It’s an 1888-P in an old PCGS “rattler” holder. Indeed, this specimen is the “Poster Child” for why collectors today love PCGS coins. The luster is superb, the detail is sharp, there are no major bagmarks to detract, and at arm’s length, this coin might be confused with an MS65 specimen! Pardon the hyperbole, but grading this coin MS63 is like calling a Caribbean sunset a little bit colorful! |
$40.50 |
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1888-P VAM 6 ANACS MS61 (Lot 21014)
The strong doubling on the lower left reverse of the 1888-P VAM 6 is dramatic. In particular, the letters in UNITED show spectacular doubling toward the rim, as well as the star to the left of UNITED. Although an ANACS MS61 can indicate a thoroughly thrashed example, in this case, the VAM coin specimen is actually much nicer than you would expect. Specifically, the luster is excellent and Liberty’s cheek is only a mark away from MS63. |
$61.88 |
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1888-P VAM 7D ANACS MS61 (Lot 21015)
Here is an interesting late die state sub-variety that’s seldom offered for sale, the 1888-P VAM 7D. As expected, there is roughness around all the reverse design elements on this specimen, indicating that the die was rapidly wearing out. In addition, there are added die polishing lines above the junction of the olive branch and the arrows on the reverse. This VAM 7D example is better than you would expect for the grade, and did I mention the Minimum Reserve for this slabbed and labeled coin is $45? |
$118.13 |
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1888-O VAM 1B-2 NGC MS64 (Lot 21016)
This 1888-O VAM 1B-2 early die state of the famous “Scarface” variety had to be withdrawn from the last auction when the bidding accelerated well past $1200. We were concerned about a price that high on a coin where the buyers might be confused about the actual variety. Let us state the case again. The coin offered here is a Stage 2 specimen with the die break cutting across the dot into the field. This coin, however, should not be confused with the super expensive “Scarface” variety, which must show the die break actually running down Liberty’s cheek to qualify as a “Scarface.” That said, this high grade specimen IS amazing, with exceptionally frosty devices and lots of eye appeal. So, you be the judge… |
$255.38 |
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1889-P VAM 32 ANACS MS63 (Lot 21017)
When the HOT 50 listings were created, and the 1889-P “Doubled Ear” varieties were included, no one knew just how many different “Doubled Ear” varieties would ultimately come to light. Now, more than 25 different VAMs have been catalogued by Van Allen, including the VAM 32 offered here. It’s unclear how rare the VAM 32 is, but the VAM supplement does list it as a Rarity-5. As for the example offered here, there are numerous small bagmarks on Liberty’s cheek, but the central devices are quite frosty, and surface contact is limited elsewhere. |
$52.88 |
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1891-CC VAM 3 PCGS MS62 (Lot 21018)
One thing is for certain, all MS62 coins are not graded equal. In terms of this 1891-CC VAM 3 variety, PCGS assigned it an MS62 grade, which is not bad for a better date variety. But the dilemma is that this MS62 is probably another grading service’s MS63 or MS64. And that’s why we recommend top tier slabbed coins. The grade may be lower, but you’re most likely dealing with premium quality. Take this PCGS coin, for instance. The luster and smooth cheek are outstanding for any grade, but certainly extraordinary for an MS62. And in terms of reselling it in the future, quality like this is a big plus! |
$354.38 |
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1891-O VAM 3A PCGS AU53 (Lot 21019)
This 1891-O VAM 3A in PCGS AU53 is a real show-stopper! Indeed, it’s doubtful that most bidders have ever seen a specimen of this ultra-rare variety in such a high grade, and we’re thrilled to have it in this VAMquest auction. The PCGS AU specimen offered here is something special, with its highly lustrous surfaces, sharp detail and wonderful eye appeal. As specialists know, none of these features is the rule for 1891-O silver dollars! How rare is VAM 3A? We suspect that this coin is among the ten finest specimens currently known. Rarity and condition – it’s a great combination! |
$1,068.75 |
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1897-P Unattributed NGC MS64 DMPL (Lot 21020)
This amazing coin caught our eye for inclusion in a VAMquest auction, because of its DMPL surfaces. Yes, they would be spectacular on any of the common dates such as 1884-O, but on an 1897-P they are out of this world! Sometimes, we say the auction photos don’t do a coin justice, but a quick glance at the NGC MS64 DMPL pictured here will tell the whole story. This unattributed beauty, with its white devices and Deep Mirror Proof-like fields is breath-taking! |
$258.75 |
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1897-P VAM 8 ANACS MS64 (Lot 21021)
In today’s market, it seems that collectors are less than enthusiastic about the 1897-P “Doubled Stars” variety. It’s a bit surprising, since the VAM 8, while not rare, is certainly not as common as some other popular varieties. And the “Doubled Stars” feature is dramatic compared to varieties that require an electron microscope to see. In any case, the specimen here is lustrous, and shows excellent detail, although there is some light contact on Liberty’s cheek. Indeed, this VAM 8, which is needed to complete a HOT 50 set, would fit comfortably in a high grade collection. |
$61.88 |
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1899-O Micro O VAM 5 ANACS XF40 (Lot 21022)
There are five different 1899-O Micro O varieties known today, VAMs 4, 5, 6, 31 & 32, all of which are extremely popular with collectors. What’s interesting about the VAM 5 is that it was important enough to be singled out in the TOP 100 for its own listing. That said, this XF40 is a bit grungy, with circulation grime around some of the design details. But when you consider the scarcity of the VAM 5, the Minimum Bid here undoubtedly represents a good deal for some astute buyer! |
$63.00 |
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1921-P VAM 3F-3 ANACS AU55 (Lot 21024)
VAM collecting has gotten a bit more technical over the years. The 1921-P VAM 3F is a case in point. This “Pitted Die” variety has been sought after for the light die pitting on the reverse. Then it was discovered that another variety (VAM 3K), which had a die gouge running across the base of the eagle’s right wing, is actually the early die state of VAM 3F, so the two were combined. And finally a third later die state was found, which displays denticle impressions. Whew! The ANACS label here says this coin is VAM 3F-3. It certainly is a very late die state, but I don’t see the denticle impressions. So, we’ll just call this one a VAM 3F, with light wear and good luster for the AU55 grade. |
$50.63 |
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1922-P Binion Holder NGC MS64 (Lot 21025)
Here is a piece of history, and NGC was involved in preserving it by creating a special holder for the Binion accumulation of Morgan and Peace dollars. These cartwheels were the possession of gambling magnate Ted Binion, for use in his Las Vegas Casino, and were dispersed when he was apparently murdered in a complex web of deceit. What’s unusual here is the high grade of this Peace dollar. Most “Binion” coins didn’t grade this high, and the lustrous surfaces and lack of contact must have impressed the NGC graders. |
$57.38 |
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1922-P VAM 12A PCGS MS61 (Lot 21028)
Ask any silver dollar collector who doesn’t specialize in varieties to name one Peace dollar VAM, and the response will invariably be, “The Moustache variety!” And the 1922-P VAM 12A is not only well known, but it has one of the most spectacular die breaks in the entire Peace dollar series. The coin offered here is the more desirable late die state, and the Moustache is extremely prominent. But more than that, the PCGS grading is very conservative, the luster is intense, and the detail is sharp. For the grade, this is absolute premium quality! |
$326.25 |
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1925-P VAM 5 ANACS MS64 (Lot 21029)
Here’s a “killer” specimen of a heralded TOP 50 variety, the 1925-P VAM 5. The product of extensive die polishing, the top ray behind the eagle’s back leg feathers has been completely effaced, hence the “Missing Ray” moniker. And talk about a nice specimen! This MS64 is outstanding, with bold luster and a smooth cheek on Liberty. Topping this one would be difficult, if not impossible! |
$129.38 |
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*Price includes the buyers premium.
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