| Winning Lots from Auction #31 |
| Lot Image |
Lot Name (Lot #)
Description |
Price Realized* |
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1878 8-TF VAM 4 PCGS MS63 (Lot 31001)
For most collectors, MS63 8-TF specimens in PCGS holders are a match made in heaven! And so it with this 8-TF VAM 4! As a one-sided Proof-Like beauty, this lustrous MS63 8-TF would be a runaway success in somebody else’s MS64 holder, and as such, is head-and-shoulders above what you would normally see in an MS63 holder. |
$247.50 |
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1878 7/8-TF VAM 39(A) PCGS MS63 (Lot 31002)
Every aspect of the 1878 7/8-TF VAM 39 offered here is attractive. Hand-picked, this specimen displays lots of eye appeal, with a hint of golden brown toning around the periphery to set off the frosty white luster on the central design. Scarce and desirable as a Hit List 40 variety, this high-end PCGS MS63 would be quite difficult to improve upon, and is most likely destined for a top Registry Set. [Note: VAMVIEW lists an MS63 at $650!] |
$275.63 |
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1878 7-TF VAM 141 PCGS MS63 (Lot 31003)
The 1878 7-TF VAM 141 has everything going for it! It has an amazing variety feature, with some of the strongest doubling on the second star to the right of the date in the entire Morgan dollar series. It is part of the Top 100 listings, and as such, is included in both the PCGS Top 100 Registry, as well as the PCGS 7-TF Registry. And because of all this, it’s highly sought-after by specialists. Best of all, this blazing white specimen is extremely attractive, with excellent detail and creamy mint frost. |
$175.50 |
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1878 7-TF Rev79 VAM 227-1 PCGS XF45 (Lot 31004)
There are a few varieties in the new Hit List 40 that are basically unknown in Mint State, and this 1878-P Reverse of ’79 VAM 227-1 is one of them. Normally, we wouldn’t get too excited about an XF specimen of any variety, but this PCGS XF45 is one rare bird! The PCGS population summary tells the story: There hasn’t been a single BU specimen slabbed, and only a total of 8 circ’s have made it into holders, the highest grading only AU, followed by 6 XF’s and 1 VF. And that’s it! So technically, this XF45 is currently tied for second finest. How’s that for anyone putting together a PCGS Registry Set! |
$444.38 |
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1879-CC VAM 3 PCGS MS61 (Lot 31005)
The 1879-CC “Capped Die” variety is a fascinating example of the Mint taking a reverse die made in one year, effacing the mintmark, and then using it the following year. This Top 100 rarity is in great demand, particularly in a PCGS holder. Why is the slab vitally important? When it comes to expensive coins like this 1879-CC, collectors tend to gravitate to the security of PCGS holders, particularly in the pivotal grade of MS61, where the grade has to be spot-on. Here, we’re offering a highly lustrous Key Date 1879-CC example for the silver dollar collector who is seeking an exciting BU, but don’t have the $5000+ to spend on a less attractive MS63 specimen. Although there’s no listing in MS61, the Greysheet (3/19/10) lists this coin in MS60 at $3000 Bid/$3300 Ask. |
$3,093.75 |
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1882-O/S VAM 4 PCGS AU58 (Lot 31009)
An old numismatic expression says that the grade of AU58 is really MS63 with a touch of wear. True enough, this 1882-O/S VAM 4 in a PCGS AU58 holder certainly looks MS63. The creamy luster is far above average for any “O/S” variety and given the gorgeous look of its surfaces, this VAM 4 might well be sold as Mint State at a coin show. Of course, we stress accuracy and quality in our auctions, so here is a super AU58 for your consideration. |
$123.75 |
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1883-O VAM 36A PCGS MS63 (Lot 31010)
The partial “E” on the back of any Morgan dollar represents the epitome of the Clashed Letter reverse, and the 1883-O VAM 36A is a renowned member of that fraternity. Although not an ultra-rarity compared to its VAM 22A counterpart, it is nonetheless highly desirable as part of the Hot 50 listings. What’s interesting here is this coin’s blazing luster, which is less than common for Clashed “E” varieties. And overall, the eye appeal is excellent. Of course, being in a PCGS MS63 is a big plus, also! |
$106.88 |
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1884-P VAM 4 PCGS MS63 (Lot 31011)
There are few mysteries left in VAM collecting, but one that still gnaws at specialists is the actual process that resulted in the two known 1884-P “Dot Varieties.” There’s no question that the “dots” on both obverse and reverse were deliberately placed on the dies, but for what purpose? Regardless, two obverse dies and two reverse dies were intentionally marked with similarly raised, round “dots.” And both varieties are highly sought-after as part of the Top 100 listings. Interestingly, the “Small Dot” VAM 4 is the slightly rarer of the two. Residing near the top of the MS63 grade, the example offered here has blazing luster and nice surfaces. |
$218.25 |
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1884-O VAM 10 PCGS MS65 (Lot 31012)
The 1884-O so-called “O/CC” variety has been embroiled in controversy over the years, beginning with Walter Breen, who dubbed it an “O/CC.” Now, collectors generally agree it’s an “O/O,” but while the discussion has subsided, the VAM 10 remains a important variety due to its Top 100 status. Indeed, how often do you encounter a gorgeous PCGS MS65 example? This beauty is covered with thick, white luster on both sides, and Liberty’s cheek is spectacular. In fact, everything about this coin spells out Premium Quality! |
$281.25 |
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1886-O VAM 1A PCGS AU53 (Lot 31013)
The 1886-O VAM 1A, with its strong Clashed “E” on the reverse, has been a “big time” variety since the earliest days of VAM collecting. And the fact that 1886-O, as a date, is a condition rarity only adds to its allure. The specimen offered here is the two-clash sub-variety, and like all VAM 1A’s is a “must-have” variety. Moreover, since the 1886-O is so rare in Mint State, a choice AU example like this one is considered a good target for VAM specialists, especially in a PCGS holder. Worthy of note, this PCGS AU53 VAM 1A is very conservatively graded, as it has almost full detail and abundant luster. |
$112.50 |
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1889-S VAM 6 PCGS MS63 (Lot 31017)
What a beautiful coin! We were planning to list this 1889-S as unattributed, since it was consigned without a VAM designation, but it appears to be a VAM 6. What’s more important here is that 1889-S is a very scarce date, with a miniscule original mintage of only 700,000 silver dollars struck at the San Francisco Mint. And collector demand is intense. If you’re looking for an outstanding 1889-S specimen in an MS63 PCGS holder for your collection, this lustrous jewel may be the one! |
$275.63 |
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1891-O VAM 1A PCGS VF35 (Lot 31018)
Here is a fabulous variety in a grade every VAM collector can afford. This 1891-O VAM 1A, which is part of select group of Clashed Die superstars known as the “Clashed E on Reverse” varieties, has been creating excitement since the first days of VAM collecting. And “Clashed E” VAMs are just as exciting today! The words, attractive and VF35, don’t normally fit into the same sentence, but this PCGS VF35 is simply amazing for the grade. The coin is white, and the detail, including the Clashed E feature, are quite conspicuous. Super for the grade and priced right! |
$93.38 |
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1893-P VAM 4 PCGS AU50 (Lot 31019)
There are a few Top 100 varieties that you just don’t see, either advertised in publications or on the Internet. One of these is the scarce 1893-P VAM 4 with Doubled Stars. It may be because the date itself is rare, but more than that, few 93-P specimens turn out be the VAM 4. That said, we are pleased to have this PCGS AU50 VAM 4 in the auction. And what’s really special here is that this very lightly circulated 1893-P was originally Proof-Like! When was the last time you saw a PL 1893-P? This one is highly desirable and attractive. |
$331.88 |
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1900-S Unattributed PCGS AU58 (Lot 31020)
A coin really has to be something special for us to include it in one of our auctions as an unattributed specimen. And this 1900-S certainly fits the bill, as there probably isn’t one dealer in a ten who wouldn’t grade it MS63. This amazing example is blast-white, with full luster and needle-sharp detail, and the “look” is no-question Mint State. So, we look at this PCGS AU58 as a nice opportunity for one of our bidders. |
$127.13 |
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1921-P VAM 27A PCGS MS63 (Lot 31022)
Wide Reeding varieties from 1921 hold a special place in the hearts of VAM specialists. Why? Most die varieties deal with features on the obverse or reverse of the coin, but here, it’s the reeding on the edge that’s important. One of this cataloger’s personal 1921-P favorites in the late die state VAM 27A. Not only is the reeding only 157 reeds (like all 1921 Wide Reeding varieties), but the upper area of the reverse shows extensive die polishing that is unique among these varieties. Grade-wise, this specimen was submitted to PCGS for an MS64 grade, but came back MS63. Even so, it has booming luster and strong eye appeal. |
$140.63 |
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1922-P VAM 2A PCGS AU53 (Lot 31023)
Our book on the Top 50 Peace dollar varieties refers to the 1922-P “Ear Ring” variety as the “crown jewel” of the Top 50 Set. It was true then, and it’s still true. This dramatic Die Break results in what is probably the most easily recognized Peace dollar variety. Indeed, it creates a sensation whenever a new example is discovered. The “Ear Ring” specimen offered here resides in a PCGS AU53 holder, so there is no crossover question. And the coin, itself, has lots of pizzazz for the grade, with highly lustrous surfaces and few, if any, distractions. What a great specimen of this extraordinary variety! |
$421.88 |
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1922-P VAM 2C EDS PCGS AU58 (Lot 31024)
The 1922-P VAM 2C can boast of the longest die progression in the Peace dollar series. Indeed, this “Extra Hair” Die Break variety can be broken down into at least ten different stages and some specialists are assembling the set. In any case, the VAM 2C is now a popular component of the Top 50 listings, and this PCGS AU58 specimen is what we’re currently calling “Stage 4.” The only reason we mention it is that the label says “EDS,” meaning Early Die State. The fact is this: Any die break of this size on most other dates would be a Late Die State! As for the grade, this specimen is an arm’s length Mint State beauty with strong luster. |
$95.63 |
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1923-D VAM 2 PCGS XF40 (Lot 31027)
The 1923-D VAM 2 is one of the few “sleepers” left in the Peace dollar “Top 50,” and in this cataloger’s view, it’s quite under-valued. Only 27 specimens in all grades have been slabbed by PCGS, compared with 51 1922-P “Earring,” 83 1922-P “Field Break,” and 162 1922-P “Extra Hair” varieties. Adding in the fact that so many VAM 2 specimens can’t get into a PCGS holder due to cleaning and/or impairment problems, you end up with one extremely under-appreciated Peace dollar variety. In terms of the grade, this PCGS XF40 specimen looks a lot better than XF, with white surfaces and plenty of luster. In fact, we just wish all XF Peace dollars looked like this one! |
$281.25 |
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*Price includes the buyers premium.
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