| Winning Lots from Auction #23 |
| Lot Image |
Lot Name (Lot #)
Description |
Price Realized* |
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1878 8TF VAM 14.15 PCGS XF40 (Lot 23001)
We continue with an unbroken string of amazing offerings in VAMquest Auction #23! Our mission is to handle the ‘best of the best” when it comes to Morgan and Peace dollar varieties – coins you won’t see anywhere else, in the grades you rarely, if ever, encounter. So with this in mind, Lot #1 in this auction is an 1878 8TF VAM 14.15 in PCGS XF40. The question is this: When was the last time you saw one? Probably never! And this specimen is simply incredible for the grade. This PCGS XF40 looks like other services’ XF45 or AU50, with lots of detail, nice surfaces and considerable remaining reflectivity when tilted in the light. Less that 20 VAM 14.15’s are known in all grades and the top specimen is only AU! Considering its rarity and quality, this example should take your breath away! |
$2,761.88 |
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1878 8TF VAM 1 ANACS MS63 DMPL (Lot 23002)
Collectors love 1878 8TF varieties=2 0in general, and in MS63 DMPL, they jump straight to the top of many Want Lists. Why? The Greysheet value of an MS63 DMPL is listed at $775, but in MS64 DMPL, which is only one step up, the value skyrockets all the way up to $4,160! Now, that’s a spread that makes MS63 DMPL sound like quite a bargain! The VAM 1 offered here has frosty devices and deeply mirrored surfaces. Indeed, it would be difficult to improve on this gorgeous 8-TF specimen. |
$604.13 |
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1878 8TF VAM 12 PCGS MS62 PL (Lot 23003)
We’ve often commented on how difficult it is to get a “PL” designation from PCGS. Indeed, it seems they only want DMPL coins in their PL holders, particularly in the case of 8-TF Morgans! So, it can be assumed this nicely mirrored PL coin is quite a specimen. It is! The cameo effect is outstanding, with white devices and spectacular mirrors. And best of all, it is a VAM 12, which is much rarer with PL surfaces. To say the least, this conservatively graded example is worth considerably more than the Minimum Reserve! |
$326.31 |
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1878 8TF VAM 14.4 ANACS MS64 (Lot 23004)
The 1878 8TF VAM 14.4 is one of our all-time favorite varieties! First and foremost, the reverse is always deep mirror proof-like and its deep-dish surfaces are simply breath-taking. Furthermore, the obverse is the late die state of the VAM 2A obverse, with its strong clash marks. In fact, this may help to explain the Mint’s replacing the VAM 2 reverse die with this new one! Here, the new VAM 14.4 reverse would grade MS65, or close to it, and the obverse would satisfy even the most jaded collector. Liberty is heavily frosted, with few significant marks of any kind, and the fields benefit from smooth, creamy luster. Sometimes seen in grades up through MS62, MS64 is in a class by itself! |
$524.25 |
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1878-P Rev79 VAM 202A PCGS MS62 (Lot 23006)
Prior to the publication of the new 1878 Reverse of ’79 Attribution Guide earlier this year, the Rev79 VAMs represented something of a black hole in the collecting i nterests of collectors. The reason has been that it’s so maddeningly difficult to distinguish the different varieties. Now there’s quick-and-easy help for attributing the set, and we anticipate lots of collectors joining in the chase for scarce Rev79 varieties. The VAM 202A offered here is the clashed die late die state of the VAM 202. It’s not yet clear how rare the variety is, but it’s certainly scarcer than the regular VAM 202. Furthermore, any Rev79 specimen already in a PCGS holder is certainly desirable, especially with the blazing luster and sharp detail of this specimen.
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$130.62 |
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1878-CC VAM 1B NGC MS62 (Lot 23007)
Eye appeal matters! Technically, this coin is an MS62 or MS63, depending on what kind of day the grader is having. But the eye appeal is simply off the charts! At arm’s length you’d swear the smooth, frosty cheek on Liberty would guarantee an MS65 grade. And the peripheral toning on both sides serves to amplify the attractiveness of the central devices. Okay, we admit it -- We like this lustrous Carson City specimen, which certainly qualifies as one of the best MS62 examples of any date we’ve seen! |
$238.50 |
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1879-O VAM 4 PCGS MS62 (Lot 23008)
Whether the 1879-O VAM 4 mintmark is an “O/Horizontal O” variety, or an “O/O/O” as some insist, there’s no question about its rarity in Mint State. Commonly found in grades up through AU, the population dramatically thins out in MS60, and in MS62 or above this variety is an important rarity in the TOP 100 listings. This VAM 4, generally frosty white with only a hint of toning around the perimeters, looks better than the typical MS63 from many other grading services. And judging from its lustrous surfaces and incredible detail, this is certainly a premium example. |
$427.50 |
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1879-S Rev.78 VAM 39 PCGS MS62 (Lot 23009)
We would be inclined to say that the 1879-S Reverse of ’78 varieties are under-appreciated, but lots of collectors must be buying these rarities up, since any MS63 is now worth $300, MS6420is $1,115 and in MS65 it takes a rather large bankroll to pay out $5,600! That said, this specimen with its abundant mint frost and attractive surfaces may be the best deal of all in terms of quality vs. the price you pay. Indeed, this is a super example of the VAM 39. |
$230.63 |
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1883-O VAM 36A PCGS MS64 (Lot 23011)
For as long as this writer can remember, clashed die “E on Reverse” varieties have been among the most collectible of the Morgan dollar varieties. This was true even in the days before die clashing was generally considered worth collecting. The 1883-O, with its partial “E” on the reverse, is an essential part of the HOT 50 set, and for this reason an example in MS64 can attract a lot of attention, particularly in a PCGS holder. This specimen with its clean cheek and milky white surfaces is a stunning example. |
$225.00 |
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1884-O VAM 10 PCGS MS63 (Lot 23012)
Now that the dust has settled about its “O/CC” status (No, it’s not an over-mintmark!), the 1884-O/O VAM 10 is still a popular variety. And because it is part of the HOT 50 listings, a great deal of demand is created for this variety in a PCGS holder. The hand-picked coin offered here is incredible for the grade. Liberty’s cheek is basically unblemished, and the luster on the entire obverse and reverse is stunning for any ’84-O. |
$90.00 |
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1884-O VAM 25 PCGS MS62 (Lot 23013)
“Misplaced Date:” varieties have been something of an enigma for collectors. The problem is that the remains of the misplaced numerals tend to be so minimal, that there is no “smoking gun” as to whether or not they represent a digit from the date. This is not the case with the 1884-O VAM 25, which is one of the clearest examples of a misplaced date. Of course, that is why it was selected for the HOT 50. The example offered here, although not fully struck, is a wonderful Mint State specimen in terms of marks and luster. |
$106.88 |
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1887-P VAM 3A Super CD ANACS MS64 (Lot 23016)
It was the work of Mark Kimpton and his research into the most important clashed die varieties in the Morgan dollar series that put VAMs like the 1887-P VAM 3A on the map! However, it seems that the actual grades associated with many clashed die specimens are noticeably lower than their non-clashed counterparts. This probably results from the fact that clashed die varieties tend to be very late die states. This VAM 3A is a happy exception to this rule of thumb. Even the dual clashes on both obverse and reverse can’t dull the shimmering luster and smooth surfaces on this exciting MS64 example. |
$95.63 |
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1887-O VAM 2 PCGS MS62 (Lot 23017)
For those collectors who are attracted to dramatic varieties where the date is strongly doubled, here is the coin for you! The 1887-O VAM 2 is an integral part of the TOP 100 listings, and indeed, the remains from the underlying numerals in the Repunched Date are simply spectacular. Specifically, the “1” is doubled far to the left and the “7” is actually tripled, making this one of the most significant Repunched Date varieties in the entire Morgan dollar series. Condition-wise, this is quite a specimen, even for a PCGS MS62. It’s got lustrous surfaces, excellent detail and the “look” of a higher grade, which in the case of an 1887-O can be quite expensive. |
$153.00 |
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1888-P VAM 36 PCGS MS63 (Lot 23018)
It seems that collectors have become increasing interested in “Doubled Ear” varieties, since the release of the HOT 50 book which included a category for the 1889-P “Doubled Ear” VAMs. The “Doubled Ear” offered here is the 1888-P counterpart of those varieties. For you clashed die enthusi asts, another interesting feature here is the out-of-register clash marks on both obverse and reverse. This example, which is in a PCGS MS63 holder, has pleasingly lustrous surfaces and “out-of-this-world” eye appeal. |
$90.00 |
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1891-O VAM 3A PCGS AU53 (Lot 23020)
There are two different “Clashed E” varieties known for 1891-O. The first is the VAM 1A, which has a “Strong E” on the reverse and is ultra-rare in high grades. The second “Clashed E” variety is VAM 3A offered here, and has what’s called the “Weak E” reverse. In circulated grades, the VAM 3A is actually the rarer of the two! This specimen, which does show a few marks, has an unusually clear clashed “E” feature on the reverse, and is quite lustrous. |
$956.25 |
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1899-O Micro O VAM 5 PCGS XF40 (Lot 23021)
Like the “Oval O” varieties of 1888 and 1889, the “Micro O” VAMs of 1899 are an anomaly. Simply put, they shouldn’t exist, but they do! Five different “Micro O” varieties are known for 1899, and while all are part of the TOP 100 listings, the VAM 5 was singled out for its own separate listing in the TOP 100. Yes, it was considered that important! Specimens like the PCGS XF40 offered here are in great demand, as they are needed for the PCGS Registry “Micro O” specialty set. With the detail of an XF45, this VAM 5 is a bit “grungy,” but in this case the coin is “original” and hasn’t been “cleaned up,” which is a big plus to many collectors. |
$95.63 |
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1921-P VAM 3 NGC MS62 (Lot 23022)
There is nothing quite like the 1921 VAM 3 in the U.S. Peace dollar series. Apparently, in 1921 the design on one reverse die was noticeably altered, so that the ray th at runs under the first “L” in DOLLAR was re-engraved to run through the “L.” The result was a unique die variety, which is highly prized by today’s collectors. In fact, most collectors would grade this VAM 3 as an MS63, with its even luster and nice eye appeal, but the key is that the Greysheet price for an MS60 non-variety is $215! |
$248.06 |
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1922-P VAM 8 ANACS MS61 (Lot 23025)
The 1922-P VAM 8, with its strongly doubled tiara, is much harder to find in Mint State than was previously thought. And high grade BU specimens are almost impossible to locate. Here, the short rays under the “B” in LIBERTY are not only doubled, but actually appear split in two. This VAM 8 specimen shows some contact on Liberty’s cheek, but has outstanding luster, and certainly qualifies as an arm’s length MS63. And overall, this is a first-rate example of this under-appreciated variety. |
$140.63 |
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1923-D VAM 2 ANACS MS62 (Lot 23027)
The 1923-D was included in the TOP 50 listings primarily for the fact that the doubling on the reverse was located on the eagle’s head and shoulder, which is unique in the TOP 50 Peace dollar set. It should be mentioned that there’s very little, if any, doubling elsewhere on either side of the coin. To summarize its condition, this example has good luster, the strike is strong and the surface marks are consistent with the grade. Overall, it’s an attractive piece. |
$815.63 |
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1926-P VAM 2 PCGS MS64 (Lot 23028)
The doubling on the lower reverse on the 1926-P VAM 2 is a Doubled Die enthusiast’s dream. It is so dramatic that there was no question as to its inclusion in the original TOP 50 listings. In fact, doubling as strong as this in other U.S. coin series would certainly result in a big-ticket item. But here, the price is surprising. Where else could you find a TOP 50 Peace dollar in PCGS MS64 with a reserve of $75! |
$100.13 |
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1934-D VAM 3 ANACS MS62 (Lot 23030)
Two different 1934-D varieties share this spectacular doubled die obverse. The first is the VAM 3 offered here, which has a filled medium-sized “D” mintmark. This reverse die, in order to rectify the problem of such a mushy mintmark, was then replaced by another die, which had a small “D” mintmark. The VAM 3 specimen here displays especially nice luster, a few obverse contact marks and prominent doubling on the “—D WE” of IN GOD WE TRUST. It’s hard to go wrong with this VAM 3, when the Greysheet lists any ’34-D Peace dollar at $110 Bid/ $120 Ask in MS60 condition! |
$140.63 |
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*Price includes the buyers premium.
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