| Winning Lots from Auction #5 |
| Lot Image |
Lot Name (Lot #)
Description |
Price Realized* |
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1878-P 8-TF VAM 21 PCGS MS63 (Lot 5002)
Is there such a thing as a “common” 8-TF? No, but the VAM 21 comes as close as you can get, because it’s often seen. Of course, if someone asked you to acquire one today, you might have some trouble doing it. Nevertheless, at one end of the rarity spectrum are all the 8-TF ultra-rarities, and at the other end are VAMs 6, 17 & 21. That said, the price for any 8-TF has consistently climbed upward over the last decade, and the Greysheet now lists raw MS63 specimens at $132 Bid/$142 Ask. As for this PCGS VAM 21, it’s outstanding for the grade. |
$151.88 |
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1878-P 7-TF VAM 117 ANACS MS60 (Lot 5005)
The “Tripled #2 Star” to the right of the date on the VAM 117 will take your breath away. The variety, itself, is a tripled die obverse, with strong doubling on the obverse stars, various letters in PLURIBUS, and on LIBERTY in the head-band. This particular variety may be one of the biggest “sleepers” in the 7-TF set, as it’s much rarer than its VAM 141 counterpart. Why this coin is in an MS60 is a mystery to me, as the strong strike, excellent luster and lack of significant marks make this example extremely desirable. |
$169.86 |
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1878-P 7-TF VAM 146 PCGS MS63 (Lot 5007)
Here’s a coin for the toning fanatics among us. Golden brown toning covers both sides of the coin, and when held to the light, hues of yellow gold are visible around the entire periphery on both sides. And what about the variety? The VAM 146 is notable for its diagonal die gouge through the top of the “R” and the bottom of “E” in LIBERTY. This coin is quite attractive, but if you don’t like toning, this coin may not be the right specimen for you. |
$157.50 |
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1878-P 7-TF Rev79 VAM 221 PCGS MS63 (Lot 5008)
A new reverse Hub for the Morgan dollar was introduced in mid-year 1878 with a round, convex eagle’s breast. There were some other minor changes as well, but the so-called Reverse of 1879 was created. To the delight of collectors today, we are just now sorting out all the “Rev79” varieties. One of these is the VAM 221 sub-variety with a die chip on the leading edge of Liberty’s forehead. Finding one in a PCGS MS63 holder is epitome of success. |
$112.50 |
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1879-O VAM 4 ANACS MS60 DMPL (Lot 5009)
Here’s an item that’s quite special, an 1879-O “O/Horizontal O” variety in a DMPL holder. I’m not aware of another VAM 4 specimen that’s slabbed by anybody which says DMPL on the label! In fact, the RCI TOP 100 Value Guide doesn’t list VAM 4 PLs or DMPLs at all. The VAM 4 is a popular TOP 100 variety that is available up through AU, but the population quickly thins out in BU. And with DMPL surfaces, there IS no population. This specimen, which is MS60 because of considerable chatter in the fields, probably wouldn’t crossover to PCGS. What you’re buying here is rarity, a slabbed coin with one-of-a-kind mirrors. |
$360.00 |
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1879-S/S VAM 15 ANACS MS64 PL (Lot 5010)
Submitted any coins to ANACS lately and gotten back a “PL” designation on the label? Probably not. The top three grading services have tightened up almost to the point of absurdity. But here is 1879-S in high grade (MS64) and the holder says “PL.” The bonus here is that the VAM 15 is an interesting variety, with its clearly repunched “S/S” mintmark and the first two digits of the date are visibly repunched. And to top it off, Liberty’s check is gorgeous with lots of frost and few marks of any kind. |
$106.88 |
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1882-P VAM 1A PCGS MS64 (Lot 5012)
Talk about an extraordinary VAM! This variety has a large, raised “Dot” of metal, as clear as any obverse design feature, prominently visible on the surface of the “2” in the date. One look and you’ll be amazed. And best of all the VAM 1A hasn’t reached the radar screens of VAM collectors yet. Throw in the fact that this is by far the best specimen of this scarce variety we’ve ever encountered, and that it’s in a PCGS holder, and you can see why we’re excited about this gorgeous VAM 1A! |
$140.63 |
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1883-O VAM 32 ANACS MS63 (Lot 5015)
“Dash” varieties have always held a special place in the hearts of VAM collectors, because the engraving process that results in these “Dashes” is associated solely with the Morgan dollar series. To align the date onto the die, a mark was placed over the 10th denticle to the right of Liberty’s neck, and the 3rd digit of date was centered over it. Then, the “Dash” was supposed to be removed. Of course, in a few instances, it wasn’t, and thus we have “Dash” varieties today. In terms of condition, this specimen certainly is at the top end of MS63, and if it were sold raw at a coin show, would almost certainly have MS64 marked on it. And best yet, this may be the first time a VAM 32 has ever been offered for sale. |
$43.88 |
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1884-P VAM 2A ANACS MS63 (Lot 5017)
Like the preceding lot, the 1884-P VAM 2A is another scarce “Clashed E” variety. The obverse diagnostic for the VAM 2 is a heavy “Dash” under the second “8” in the date. The clashed “E” on the reverse is clearly visible on this specimen, and overall, this example has frosty surfaces and nice eye appeal. |
$129.38 |
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1884-P VAM 3 ANACS MS63 (Lot 5018)
The two 1884-P “Dot” varieties are two of the most intriguing varieties in the Morgan dollar series. No one knows why there is a dot above the designer’s initial on the obverse in both cases, but it is definitely deliberate, since there’s a similar dot on the reverse next to the initial “M.” Solve this mystery and your name would go up in lights! Anyway, this lustrous specimen is a slabbed MS63 with typical contact on the cheek, and as only a few MS65’s are known, it’s in a relatively high grade. And the price is right! |
$196.88 |
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1884-O VAM 25 ANACS MS63 (Lot 5021)
Even if this coin weren’t a HOT 50 variety, you’d love this specimen. It’s that nice for an MS63, or even an MS64. And the variety is spectacular, too. There is the partial remains of an “8” clearly visible in the denticles. Where did it come from? Van Allen believes it is an “8” from the date, making this a “Misplaced Date” variety. It’s hard to believe that the engraver could be that far off, but there are a number of these in the Morgan dollar series. This beautiful specimen is the first of this variety that we’ve offered at auction. |
$95.63 |
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1884-O VAM 35 ANACS MS63 PL (Lot 5022)
As far as we know, this is the first fully Proof-like specimen of the 1884-O VAM 35 that’s been found. Neither the VAMVIEW Value Guide, nor the VAMLINK Value Guide list this variety in PL. That said, this example looks DMPL! Anyway, the VAM 35 is a “Doubled Eyelid” variety with a doubled die obverse. Jewel-like luster and nice mirrors combine to give this coin lots of incredible eye appeal. |
$174.38 |
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1885-O Unattributed PCGS MS64 (Lot 5024)
It’s not worth worrying about the attribution. This coin is a simply gorgeous 1885-O specimen, and that’s why it’s here. Liberty’s cheek is smooth and frosty, and the rest of the obverse is outstanding, as well. And the reverse is the same high quality. This may be an MS64, but what must it take now to get a coin into an MS65 holder. |
$51.75 |
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1886-P VAM 4 PCGS MS64 (Lot 5025)
The 1886-P VAM 4, with its strongly repunched “18” in the date, is one of the more interesting 1886-P varieties. This late die state specimen has even more appeal because of the die crack that runs from the “1” in the date to the first star on the left. Even later, this large crack most likely developed into a die break at the end of the die’s life, and a few of us are starting to collect these terminal die states. In any case, this specimen is everything you’d want in a MS64. |
$54.56 |
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1887-P VAM 13 PCGS MS63 PL (Lot 5026)
Interested in a variety that has Doubled Stars and a “7” in the denticles? Then, you might like the 1887-P VAM 13. Defined a little more, the first two stars to the left of the date and the first four stars to the right of the date show doubling. And there’s the top of a “7” in the denticles below the second “8.” As for the grade, note that the coin is in an old PCGS holder with “PL” designated on the label. |
$54.00 |
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1887-S VAM 5 PCGS MS63 (Lot 5027)
The VAM 5 date is set out of position to the left, but that’s not the story here. It’s the incredible quality of this 1887-S that compelled us to include it in the auction. On a scale of one to ten, the eye appeal of this specimen would be a ten! ! And the golden brown toning around the periphery of both sides serves to accent its beauty. You won’t see many 1887-S coins that look like this, even in PCGS holders. |
$213.75 |
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1888-O VAM 3 ANACS AU58 (Lot 5028)
If strong doubling on the date numerals gets you excited, then the 1888-O VAM 3 would make a good target. The “1” and the first “8” in the date are nicely doubled at the top, and the final “8” also shows doubling. The owner of this coin thought it was a BU, but it came back AU58. His loss, your gain. |
$32.63 |
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1889-P VAM 16 NGC MS63 (Lot 5029)
Ah, the “Doubled Ear” varieties. Some specialists have made a career of these, and a book is in the works to identify them. The VAM 16 was one of the best of its kind, and was included in the HOT 50 listings. The VAM 16 not only has a doubled ear, the right stars are doubled, as well. And to lock in the attribution, the date should be set out of position to the right. Here we have booming luster and just a hint of golden toning near the edges. Nice. |
$61.88 |
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1890-P VAM 23 NGC MS63 (Lot 5030)
Collect doubled ears? Here’s one with a touch of doubling at the base of the ear lobe, but note that Liberty’s profile is doubled on the bottom edges of the lips and chin. Can’t remember seeing one of these before. It’s solid for the grade in an NGC holder. |
$50.63 |
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1891-CC VAM 6 PCGS MS63 (Lot 5032)
Only six different die varieties are known for the 1891-CC, and collectors are most familiar with the VAM 3, “Spitting Eagle” variety. Unfortunately, the VAM 3 is extremely common. So, what’s the “best” 91-CC? Hands down, it’s the VAM 6 offered here, which is the most recent discovery for this date. The key here is the doubled die reverse, where many of the peripheral features show doubling. It’s a first-rate variety and it’s scarce. To complete the picture, this specimen is a valuable top end MS63 with lots of luster and few marks. No wonder it’s in a PCGS holder! |
$646.88 |
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1891-O VAM 14/14A PCGS MS62 (Lot 5033)
Here’s one that few collectors have ever seen. The top inside of the ribbon bow on the lower reverse is doubled, and the mintmark is set high. The result is that this specimen is a VAM 14. It turns out there is a late die state clashed version of the VAM 14, which Van Allen assigned VAM 14A. Well, the VAM 14 is R-5 and the VAM 14A is R-6. The coin offered here is an even later clashed die state where you can hardly see the clashing. So, for Clashed Die enthusiasts, this may be an amazing opportunity. In terms of condition, the coin is rather weakly struck, the obverse is white and the reverse is somewhat darkly toned. In MS63 this is a $250 coin according to the Greysheet, but PCGS gave it a conservative MS62. |
$202.50 |
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1896-P VAM 8 ANACS MS64 PL (Lot 5035)
This golden toned beauty is the highest grade of this variety we’ve seen. The VAM 8, which is notable for the doubling on the date, where the “1” and the “6” are doubled, is part of that group of Morgan dollar varieties known as “Repunched Dates.” In terms of condition, there are only the lightest stray marks that keep this one from the MS65 level, but overall this VAM 8 is a lot of coin for the money. |
$85.50 |
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1897-O VAM 4 ANACS MS61 (Lot 5037)
The 1897-O is famous as a “condition rarity.” What that means is the coin may be obtainable in lower grades, but when it comes to Mint State, it’s almost impossible to find. In fact, only major auctions can offer BU 1897-O specimens. The Greysheet lists an MS63 at $3600, an MS64 at $11,000 and an MS65 at $36,000. Is this MS61 in the same league? We think so. Outstanding for the grade. |
$731.25 |
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1897-S VAM 2 ANACS MS63 PL (Lot 5038)
The VAM 2, which displays an “S” mintmark that is set too high, is not much of a variety. Here, it’s the coin that counts. Liberty’s cheek is unbelievably frosty, and although this frost is disturbed by a couple of marks, the overall effect is quite dramatic. Picking up this specimen at or near this Minimum Bid would be quite a deal. |
$90.00 |
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1899-P VAM 2 PCGS MS63 (Lot 5039)
Who doesn’t love the 1899-P Morgan dollar. With an official mintage of only 330,000 it’s been the darling of collectors for decades. On this example there is doubling along the top of the last “9” in the date. However, the key here is Liberty’s smooth silky cheek, which is far from common on the 99-P. Extra nice in appearance, this specimen is lots of coin for the money in an old PCGS holder. |
$286.88 |
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1899-O VAM 4 NGC AU53 (Lot 5040)
The Micro O varieties of 1899 are the only post-1880 varieties with this unique mintmark that are still considered genuine Mint products. The effect is that prices for these pieces have gone through the roof. For instance, an AU just sold on EBay for more than $200. That’s double of a few years ago. In any case, this attractive specimen is in an NGC holder that reads AU53. Nice. |
$106.88 |
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1899-O VAM 10 PCGS MS64 (Lot 5041)
Some silver dollars look so attractive that even a quick glance can take your breath away. This is one of these remarkable specimens where the surfaces are almost mark-free, the luster sparkles on both obverse and reverse, and the “look” of the coin is pure MS65. In fact, I’m not sure why it’s not in an MS65 (or better) slab. In any case, the coin is magnificent and the variety is basically meaningless. Looking for quality? Here it is! |
$49.50 |
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1899-O VAM 30 PCGS MS64 (Lot 5042)
With “189-“ doubled in the date, this scarce variety has created some excitement for its Repunched Date. But it’s the rarity that turned people’s heads and caused Leroy Van Allen to assign this VAM an R-5 rarity rating. The specimen, itself, is picture perfect with smooth mark-free surfaces that are dripping with frost. |
$47.25 |
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1900-P VAM 16 ANACS MS63 (Lot 5044)
The 1900-P VAM 16 has long been held in high regard for its “two olive” reverse, which refers to the use of two different Hubs to create this C4/C3 reverse. What interests VAM collectors is the doubling of the design features that results from using two different Hubs. In the case of the VAM 16, many features on the reverse show light doubling. Then, recently it was discovered that in between the denticles under the date are what appear to be the remains of a second date. Collectors were thrilled. As to condition, this specimen may be one of the world’s best MS63’s. It’s that good. |
$50.63 |
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1901-O VAM 13 PCGS MS62 (Lot 5046)
A new reverse hub, designated the C4, was introduced in 1900, with some slight design differences when compared to the old C3 Hub. Since multiple impressions are required to bring up the design when dies are made, a number of C4/C3 dies were produced, where the images were slightly out of register. On coins struck from these dual Hub dies, the design features appear doubled. The VAM 13 has one of these dual-hub reverses. By the way, this Minimum Bid just covers the cost of the slab, so in effect the coin is free! |
$38.25 |
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1902-O VAM 12 ANACS MS64 (Lot 5047)
Here is an MS65 coin masquerading as an MS64, or at least that is how it looks. It takes some close inspection to find a single significant mark on the coin’s surfaces. The principal diagnostic for the VAM 12 is Liberty’s doubled profile. It’s not just doubled, it’s shifted more than I can remember seeing on other 1902-O varieties. In any case, it is dramatic. And as was already mentioned, this is amazing quality. |
$50.63 |
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1904-P Unlisted PCGS MS61 (Lot 5048)
At one time the 1904-P was considered a common coin and carried very little premium. But now the date is worth more than double the price of the truly common silver dollars, even in low grade Mint State condition. We were attracted to this specimen because it was so appealing for the grade. You won’t find a better MS61 in or out of a PCGS holder. |
$61.88 |
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1921-P Zerbe Dies ANACS 63 Clipped Planchet Error (Lot 5051)
I sometimes think that the story of Cinderella at the Ball may be the same one as the 1921-P Morgan dollars struck from so-called Zerbe dies – wait till midnight and watch the carriage turn back into a pumpkin! And I’ve stated my position in several of the VAMquest Auctions. However, we’ve come up with something that may be totally unique – a Zerbe die pair on a Clipped Planchet! It’s certainly the first one we’re aware of. In fact, we couldn’t believe our eyes when we saw the Rim Clip at 9 o’clock on both sides of the struck coin. Want something way out of the ordinary? Then this attractive error coin may be for you! |
$112.50 |
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1921-D VAM 1BS NGC MS62 Discovery Coin (Lot 5052)
In the last auction we sold the discovery coin for the new 1921-S VAM 1S with a bit of pitting around and to the left of the “S” mintmark. Here is the second, and last, of two remarkable discoveries. The 1921-D VAM 1BS shows raised dots of metal around the mintmark, as well as inside the “O” of dollar. To any collector who is assembling a set of “rusted die” varieties, he or she would have to have this variety. Good luck. To say the VAM 1BS is “rare” would be an understatement, since there may be no other specimens known except for this one discovery piece. This late die state, with die cracks at K-3 on the obverse and at K-2 on the reverse, is a one-of-a-kind rarity in an NGC holder. |
$253.13 |
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1921-S VAM 1B-5 NGC AU58 (Lot 5053)
The 1921-S “Thorn Head” VAMs, which have a place on everybody’s Hit List, are some of the most significant varieties in the Morgan dollar series that are NOT already included in the TOP 100 and HOT 50 listings. Currently, there are eight “Thorn Head” varieties, VAM 1B-1 to VAM 1B-7, with one sub-variety, and most are exceedingly rare. In fact, only the VAM 1B-6 is ever seen at all! Yes, this coin is technically an AU58. Under high power magnification there appears to be a touch of wear. But when you receive this coin, you’ll undoubtedly exclaim it is an MS62 or 63. It’s that good! |
$309.38 |
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1923-P VAM 1V ANACS MS62 (Lot 5056)
There are eight different 1923-P die break varieties, with the break in Liberty’s hair on the obverse. Four of these “Extra Hair” varieties are simply spectacular. The VAM 1B and the VAM 1AA are the two pictured in the TOP 50 Attribution Guide. Then, there is the VAM 1AB, and this variety, the VAM 1V, both of which will be included in future listings. My guess is that the buyer will love this specimen, with its brilliant luster and nice surfaces. |
$129.38 |
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1926-P VAM 2 PCGS MS64 (Lot 5057)
It’s a shame that more collectors aren’t focusing on the super doubled dies in the Peace dollar series, but nearly all the attention is directed at the Die Break varieties. The 1926-P VAM 2, if it were in another U.S. coin series, would warrant lots of oohs and aahs, as the doubling on the leaves and stems on the reverse is breath-taking. In any case, this flashy specimen is in an MS64 PCGS holder with “VAM 2” on the label, and I would say its blazing luster and attractive surfaces give it the “look” of an MS65+! |
$140.63 |
| 1-37 | |
*Price includes the buyers premium.
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