| Winning Lots from Auction #29 |
| Lot Image |
Lot Name (Lot #)
Description |
Price Realized* |
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1878 8-TF VAM 8 PCGS MS62 (Lot 29002)
The 1878 VAM 8 is an under-appreciated 8-TF variety that, unlike most 8-TFs, shares neither its obverse nor its reverse with any other 8-TF variety. But more importantly, the actual rarity of the VAM 8 is not widely recognized. To make the point, PCGS has slabbed a total of 11 MS63’s and 2 MS64’s, which takes this PCGS MS62 quite close to Condition Census \"Top Ten\" status. Flashy luster and gorgeous fields make this one outstanding. |
$253.13 |
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1878 8-TF VAM 18 PCGS MS63 (Lot 29003)
We believe that all the 1878 8-TF dies were \"pieced together\" in the Arts & Medals room at the Philadelphia Mint, so that doubled features are the rule, not the exception. But only VAMs 18, 19 and 20 show this spectacular doubling on the date numerals. And because any 8-TF specimen is highly sought-after in a PCGS MS63 holder, this VAM 18 example is quite a prize. Adding to its allure, the obverse is all white with strong luster and the reverse shows a large crescent of toning, golden brown fading into steel blue. It’s hard to capture in the photograph, but one look in person will make all the difference. |
$164.99 |
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1878 8-TF VAM 23 PCGS MS63 (Lot 29004)
This 1878 8TF VAM 23 should probably be labeled proof-like, whether or not the holder says it. Why? The VAM 23 variety with its A2/A(x) Reverse was early off the coin presses, and as a result, nearly always shows nicely reflective surfaces. But this gorgeous specimen can stand on its own. The fields look pristine and Liberty’s icy white cheek is simply phenomenal. You certainly would have to look long and hard to find anything comparable to this one in an MS63 holder! And note that there’s a PCGS MS61 on EBay this week (12/4/09) at $325.00. |
$253.13 |
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1878 7-TF VAM 79 PCGS MS61 (Lot 29008)
Here is our favorite 1878 7-TF variety with B1 (Long Nock) reverse, the VAM 79. As a HOT 50 coin, it is as rare as the VAM 70 (a TOP 100 coin), and many specialists actively pursue this variety. And that is where this under-graded specimen comes in. Even though the PCGS holder says MS61, more than a few dealers would call it an MS63. And the holder doesn’t mention the reflectivity on both obverse and reverse. This really attractive specimen was originally purchased for $150.00! |
$140.63 |
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1878 7-TF VAM 114A PCGS MS63 (Lot 29010)
This cataloger is doing research on the 1878 7-TF VAM 114A, a seemingly common variety that’s part of the 7-TF set. However, it seems that what the VAM hobby is calling the VAM 114 and the VAM 114A are actually two different die pairs. In any case, this is the die stage that shows an amazing grouping of clash marks above the eagle’s left wing (viewer’s right) and a strong mark at the inside of the right wreath. This coin is all white with solid luster. |
$106.88 |
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1878 7-TF VAM 197 PCGS MS62 (Lot 29011)
The 1878 7-TF VAM 197 is interesting for the fact that this particular obverse is shared with the more recently discovered VAM 134. Neither is ultra-rare, but the VAM 197 can be surprisingly hard to find. The example offered here has a white, frosty obverse and a heavily toned reverse that’s hard to photograph. Originally from a Michael Fey/RCI Auction. |
$84.38 |
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1880-O VAM 48/1A PCGS MS63 (Lot 29013)
Okay, any Morgan dollar variety with a name like the “Hangnail Variety” is going to attract a certain amount of attention. And not only is the die gouge variety feature on the reverse easy to see, 1880-O is the ultimate condition rarity. Would you believe that in MS64 any 1880-O is valued at $1500, whereas in MS65 it’s $24,000! So, this super attractive MS63 VAM 48 “Hangnail” specimen, with lots of luster and nice detail, is really something special.
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$421.88 |
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1880-CC VAM 6 PCGS MS63 (Lot 29015)
There’s something almost magical about coins struck at the historic Carson City Mint. Each coin seems to embody the Wild West and a time when hoards of adventurers ventured westward. A new book has just been released by Whitman Press, entitled “Carson City Morgan Dollars” and it highlights this variety, the 1880-CC VAM 6 overdate. Talk about dramatic! You won’t find a clearer “8/7” overdate than the VAM 6 and its VAM 5 counterpart. As for the incredible specimen offered here, it’s blast white with thick luster and solid appeal for the grade! |
$495.00 |
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1882-O/O VAM 7 PCGS MS63 (Lot 29016)
Quality is the focus in all the VAMquest Auctions, and this 1882-O VAM 7 with its O/O Repunched Mintmark could be the poster-child for eye appeal. Most would agree that there are MS63’s, and then there are MS63’s! This coin is at the top of the grade range. And I should mention that an ANACS MS63 is offered on this week’s eBay for $185 with a Buy-It-Now for $205. So, this PCGS MS63 beauty is certainly priced right!)
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$157.50 |
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1884-O VAM 30A PCGS MS64 (Lot 29017)
Hold this one up to the light and it’s easy to see why collectors like PCGS coins. The devices are white and frosty and the fields show so few marks that an even
higher grade would not be unreasonable. In fact, it’s everything the most persnickety collector could ask for in a slabbed MS64! Oh yes, variety aficionados might want to know it’s a VAM 30A, but best of all, check out the price. |
$84.38 |
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1885-P VAM 1B PCGS MS61 (Lot 29018)
Pitted Die varieties are finally gaining traction in the VAM market, and this 1885-P VAM 1B is pitted around the DOL of DOLLAR on the lower reverse. Graded MS61 by PCGS for the scattered marks that are visible under magnification, most would agree that the “look” of the coin is a straight-ahead MS63. All white, and exceptionally lustrous, this BU VAM 1B is attractive and priced right. |
$90.00 |
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1886-P VAM 17 PCGS MS64 (Lot 29019)
It goes without saying that MS64 and MS65 TOP 100 varieties in PCGS holders are quite popular with collectors putting together a PCGS Registry Set. This 1886-P VAM 17 is an excellent combination of high quality and strong luster which should attract collectors of all stripes. And the fact the VAM number is on the label (an additional $24) is an added plus. Simply put, here’s top-end quality without a high price tag.
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$135.00 |
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1886-O Unattributed PCGS AU53 (Lot 29020)
If 1880-O is a “condition rarity” (which we said earlier in the Lot 13 description), then the 1886-O would have to be referred to as a “condition ultra-rarity.” Think about this: MS60 in the GreySheet is $525 and MS65 rockets up to $139,000! Yes, the holder is important here, so this PCGS AU53 is in the right company. Nice and lustrous, as you would expect. |
$96.74 |
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1887-P 7/6 VAM 2 PCGS MS63 (Lot 29021)
Whoa! The 1887-P 7/6 overdate is a Redbook listed variety that’s on every silver dollar collector’s Want List. And it’s not just anxious VAM specialists who want one, but the fact is that every non-variety collector needs a VAM 2 specimen to complete his silver dollar set. In terms of quality, we see these in grades up through MS62, but the availability of examples grading MS63 or higher is quite reduced. Indeed, a PCGS MS63 example like the one offered here is right in the mainstream of collector demand. Semi Proof-like surfaces and nice luster give this coin some serious sparkle. |
$438.75 |
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1888-P VAM 11A PCGS MS65 (Lot 29022)
In the “old days” any 1888-P Doubled Ear VAM 11 was quite desirable. But now that VAM research has reached astonishing levels, everyone now wants a VAM 11A, which is the late die state clashed version. The problem is that it’s often much more difficult to acquire LDS examples in the same high grades. Here’s the exception -- a PCGS MS65 specimen that could set your heart on fire. This frosty jewel has everything going for it, including amazing luster and the smoothest cheek on Liberty you’ve ever seen! |
$191.25 |
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1888-O VAM 9 PCGS MS64 (Lot 29023)
A quick look at the 1888-O VAM 9 reverse clearly shows why it was included in the original TOP 100 listings. Simply put, it’s a breath-taking doubled die. The doubling on the extreme right side of the reverse has caught the imagination of VAM collectors for three decades. What’s truly remarkable is the fact that VAM 9 specimens are sometimes encountered with breath-taking, unmarked surfaces. True to form, this stunning coin could easily grade MS65. Oh, if only 8-TF Morgans looked like this! |
$157.50 |
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1896-P VAM 20 NGC MS65 DPL (Lot 29024)
Of course, we like to handle coins like this one. They look good in the archives, and no doubt, future collectors will be in awe of the quality. The 1896-P VAM 20 has a colorful history, as it started out as the VAM 1A in the original VAM Book, where it was described as a “gouged date.” Later it was determined that the amazing artifacts inside the “9” in the date represented a “repunched date.” Thus the VAM number was changed. Here, we offer what is likely the finest known specimen of this HOT 50 variety. And it’s a monster example, with ultra-deep mirrors and wonderful surfaces! |
$787.50 |
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1900-O/CC VAM 8B PCGS MS63 (Lot 29025)
Super luster and nice, even frostiness make this 1900-O/CC specimen really special. And the fact that it is the highly desirable VAM 8B makes it even better! You’ll recall that this is the one 1900-O/CC variety where the area around the mintmark is heavily rusted. Making it even more desirable, the VAM 8B is the even later die state with heavy clashing. Even with a few scattered marks, this is the finest VAM 8B we’ve handled, with strong luster, crystal-clear pitting and strong clashing.
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$1,181.25 |
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1921-P VAM 3F-(3) PCGS MS62 (Lot 29027)
VAM fanatics will appreciate the 1921-P VAM 3F-3. It’s got pitting around the “A” of DOLLAR on the lower reverse. It has a diagnostic die crack through the “M” of AMERICA. And most noteworthy, it shows the remains of a denticle clash next to the “M.” As for this specimen, the photograph clearly puts it in the running for the Ugly Betty contest, but it actually looks much better in person, since it wouldn’t get into an MS62 PCGS holder, otherwise. But we suggest purchasing it for its research value, not its looks! |
$106.88 |
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1922-P VAM 4 PCGS AU58 (Lot 29028)
The 1922-P VAM 4 is not among the rarities of the Peace dollar series, but the doubling on the obverse Motto was sufficient for it to get into the original TOP 50 listings. Indeed, the problem is that so many of the VAM 4 specimens currently in the marketplace are misattributed. Fortunately, this VAM 4 is the real McCoy! Conservatively graded in a PCGS holder, this AU58 would be MS63 to most collectors. But what else is new! Flashy luster and little wear, if any. |
$78.75 |
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1922-P VAM 6 NGC MS63 (Lot 29029)
One of the hallmarks of good coin collecting is to ferret out the scarce items before they become known to everyone else. Such is the case with the 1922-P VAM 6. As a point of reference, would you believe PCGS has slabbed 158 VAM 2C specimens (the popular variety with the strong die break in Liberty’s hair), compared to only 28 VAM 6 examples! And this MS63 NGC beauty would attract a lot of attention, even it weren’t a scarce variety. Here, there is nice detail and amazing luster on both sides that makes this dramatic “Doubled Leaves” variety come to life! |
$183.38 |
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1925-P VAM 3 NGC AU58 (Lot 29030)
While I was viewing the PCGS Population Report, I thought I’d check out the 1925-P VAM 3. Apparently, PCGS has slabbed only 19 of these, compared with 38 VAM 1A’s and 86 VAM 5’s. So, it’s by far the scarcest 1925-P variety in the TOP 50 listings! This NGC AU58 example is exactly what an AU58 should be: It’s a no-question MS63 with a hint of wear. In fact, most collectors probably wouldn’t be able to discriminate between this AU58 specimen and their best MS63 Peace dollar. |
$95.63 |
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*Price includes the buyers premium.
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