| Winning Lots from Auction #6 |
| Lot Image |
Lot Name (Lot #)
Description |
Price Realized* |
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1878-P 8-TF VAM 2 NGC MS63 DMPL (Lot 6001)
As a grade, MS63 DMPL is now a primary target of many collectors. Why? There are two reasons. First, collectors are hard-pressed to get any 8-TF specimen into a DMPL holder in today’s market. And secondly, the difference between MS63 DMPL at $600 and MS64 DMPL at $4000 is a huge jump in price. This NGC 8-TF DMPL example lives up to its billing, with dramatic peripheral golden toning that accents the frosty devices and the deep mirrors. And the gorgeous reverse would be MS65 in anybody’s book! |
$461.25 |
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1878-P 8-TF VAM 9 NGC AU50 (Lot 6003)
Prior to entering circulation, this coin was undoubtedly an Early Strike with Deep Mirror Proof-Like fields, which is confirmed by the highly reflective surfaces in the protected areas around the periphery. And there’s no evidence of the clashing found on later die states. Of course, the most important aspect to the VAM 9 is its historical cachet as the first die pair to strike Morgan dollars in March of 1878. In terms of value, the VAMview Value Guide lists an AU at $1200, and the TOP 100 Value Guide shows the AU50 at $1300. The bottom line? This attractive example looks like quite a bargain at anything near the current Minimum Bid of $550! |
$618.75 |
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1878-P 8-TF VAM 16 ANACS MS64 (Lot 6005)
Collectors find the VAM 16 a bit of an anomaly. It’s customarily listed among the “common” 8-TFs, but when it’s time to acquire one, most find it surprisingly difficult to obtain a decent specimen. In fact, this cataloger has found it missing from several collections that were otherwise well populated with scarcer coins. Well, this specimen is outstanding, with its booming luster for a VAM 16, its strong strike, and its minimum of surface marks. The buyer of this coin will enjoy it as a show-piece. |
$275.63 |
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1878-P 8-TF VAM 23 ANACS MS63 PL (Lot 6007)
The VAM 23 8-TF variety has been one of the super-stars of the Morgan dollar series for more than two decades. Liberty’s profile, nose, lips and chin show such incredible doubling that the variety long ago developed a strong following among specialists and novices, alike. This specimen, which has a few marks on the obverse and almost no marks on the reverse, is breath-taking. And the reverse is a full deep mirror Proof-like with incredible contrast. Too good to pass up! |
$275.63 |
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1878-P 7/8-TF VAM 38 PCGS MS64 PL (Lot 6008)
A PCGS MS63 Proof-like example of any so-called “strong” 7/8-TFs is highly desirable. On the eagle, VAM 38 shows five extra tail-feather tips, and on the obverse, the word LIBERTY is strongly doubled. In terms of price, an MS63 (non PL!) was recently sold on EBay for $335. This gorgeous specimen, which is a PCGS MS64 PL, has incredible Proof-like surfaces which in years past would have been DMPL. 1878 dated coins in PCGS holders labeled “PL” are at the peak of their popularity, and any 7/8-TF specimen in MS64 PL resides at the top of the mountain. |
$444.38 |
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1878-P 7/8-TF VAM 41C PCGS AU55 (Lot 6011)
Conservatively graded by PCGS at AU55, the consignor was undoubtedly surprised by the grade he received. In any case, this coin is certainly Choice for any AU. As for the variety, in recent times the VAM 41A with its bits and pieces of four extra TFs was found to have a heavily clashed late die state. Van Allen designated this dramatic clashed variety the “VAM 41C” and it periodically brings surprisingly large sums on EBay. The coin here is better than most of those, and we’re happy to offer one in Auction #6. |
$118.13 |
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1878-P 7-TF VAM 110 ANACS MS63 (Lot 6013)
The broken serifs on “N and M” in UNUM set this interesting variety apart from all the other VAMs with B2-a reverses. And even as the more common sibling of VAMs 145 and 162, the VAM 110 is quite collectible. The best news of all is that this specimen is a lovely PQ example with nice luster and an MS65+ reverse. And how can you beat the price! |
$74.32 |
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1878-P 7-TF VAM 142 PCGS MS63 (Lot 6014)
7-TF specimens in PCGS MS63 holders are always a great combination! And here we have one with a B2-b Reverse, meaning that the top of the “o” in GOD on the reverse is broken. On VAM 142, the “-878” numerals in the date are doubled, with the surfaces of the first “8” showing unique raised doubling. This may be near top of the line for this variety. |
$90.00 |
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1878-P 7-TF VAM 163 PCGS AU55 (Lot 6016)
This coin was purchased as a BU coin, but thank goodness for PCGS. This way the new buyer gets everything he’s looking for. The VAM 163 is an extremely scarce variety, with its huge doubling at the top left of the “U” in PLURIBUS. We seldom run across one of these, and this spectacular specimen would fit nicely in a Mint State set of 7-TF varieties. Only a light touch of wear separates this example from MS63. Of note, this is the first time we’ve offered a VAM 163 in one of our auctions. |
$140.63 |
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1878-P 7-TF Reverse '79 VAM 201 ANACS MS63 (Lot 6017)
Many specialists consider the VAM 201 an under-appreciated Reverse of ’79 variety, especially in MS63 or better condition. The fact is that it’s not often encountered in Choice BU. With its raised die fill inside the bottom loop of each “8” in the date, this VAM 201 specimen has good luster and nice surfaces. And when tilted in the light, it displays reflective surfaces, which is unusual for any “Round Breast” variety. |
$258.75 |
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1878-P 7-TF Reverse '79 VAM 203 PCGS MS63 (Lot 6018)
The short wheat leaf at the front of Liberty’s headband is the hallmark of this 7-TF Reverse of ‘79 variety. It is one of only three Rev79 VAMs that made it into the TOP 100 listings, and as such, is sought after by legions of collectors. Hence, the prices realized for this variety often reflect heavy premiums. This specimen is PCGS Registry “ready” and it’s in an old PCGS holder, which sometimes is a major plus. In fact, most collectors today would call this a gorgeous MS64! |
$230.63 |
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1878-S VAM 29 NGC MS63 (Lot 6019)
The VAM 29 is a particularly fascinating 78-S variety, with awesome pitting on the surface of the letters in UNITED on the reverse. The letters look sand-blasted. Remember that the raised features on the struck coin were the recessed features on the original die, so some corrosive substance apparently got into these recesses to produce this amazing effect. Seen the prices for interesting 78-S varieties on EBay lately? Whoa! Here, semi Proof-Like surfaces on both sides of the coin add to its allure. |
$114.75 |
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1879-S Unattributed NGC MS64 (Lot 6020)
The top left outside of the “9” in the date is clearly doubled, and there are other diagnostic features, as well. But this coin is listed here solely for the collectors who are seeking an eye-catching NGC slabbed MS64 coin for their collections, and aren’t concerned with the variety. Bright luster, as well as a hint of reflectivity on both sides add to the eye appeal. |
$56.25 |
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1880-P “E on Rev” VAM 39A ANACS AU55 (Lot 6021)
The most popular clashed die reverse varieties are the “E on Reverse” VAMs, which have been sought-after by collectors for over three decades. Where does the “Clashed “E” feature come from? In the coining press, when obverse and reverse dies come together without a planchet in place, the “E” in LIBERTY from Liberty’s head-band can potentially transfer to the reverse die. There are only about a dozen such varieties known, and the 1880-P VAM 39A clashed die is one of the superstars of the group! In terms of quality, this lustrous specimen is about as good as they get! |
$478.13 |
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1880-S VAM 9 NGC MS65 (Lot 6022)
There are five 1880-S varieties, six if you count the two reverses of the VAM 12. Considering them all, the VAM 9 is the only overdate with the “Super Large S” mintmark. This mintmark has gone largely unnoticed by collectors and is found only on a limited number of varieties dated 1880-S. The NGC MS65 overdate specimen offered here (Yes, MS65!) has semi Proof-Like surfaces, a hint of peripheral toning, and a spectacular appearance. 1880-S overdates in high grades are gaining in popularity, so now might be a good time to get in on the ground-floor! |
$168.75 |
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1880-S VAM 72 SEGS MS65 Discovery Coin (Lot 6023)
We normally don’t list SEGS coins, but here is a unique discovery piece that warrants your consideration. The VAM 72, with its R-5 rating, went undiscovered all these years. It has a doubled date and a doubled die reverse. Specifically, all four digits in the date show light doubling, but it’s the doubling on the lower insides of UNITED STATES on the reverse that sets this variety apart. And the grade? Yes, it looks like it might go into other holders at MS65. It’s uncleaned, and has few, if any, significant marks, along with smooth surfaces and booming luster typical of an 80-S. Without doubt, it’s the Finest Known AND the Discovery Coin for this variety! |
$264.38 |
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1880-S VAM 16 PCGS MS62 (Lot 6024)
Want a very inexpensive Mint State coin in a PCGS holder for little more than the cost of the slab itself? Then, here’s what you’re looking for! The lower left edge of the top loop in the second “8” is doubled on the VAM 16. Also, there is a diagnostic die chip between the two loops on the right side of the first “8” in the date. That said, we don’t know of anyone collecting 1882-S varieties by VAM number, so the key here is the price. The Greysheet lists any MS60 1882-S at $29/Bid $31/Ask, so MS62, which is two grades higher, might be worth a little more. In any case, you won’t see flashy coins like this at this price anywhere else! |
$33.75 |
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1882-S Unattributed PCGS MS64 (Lot 6026)
Offered here is a generic MS64 Mint State Morgan dollar in a PCGS holder. Typical flashy surfaces make this a prime candidate for collectors putting MS64 dollars away for the future. (We know quite a few!) The Minimum Bid for this lot is well below Greysheet Bid for a raw MS64! One could look at it this way -- Buy the coin near these levels and the PCGS holder is completely free! |
$45.00 |
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1883-P VAM 1 NGC MS64 DPL (Lot 6027)
You might ask why a “VAM 1” is in one of these auctions. The answer is that anytime there’s an opportunity to handle a coin like this, we’re excited about it! This amazing specimen has mirrors that are outrageously deep. The center is frosty and there’s a hint of light golden toning around the periphery on both obverse and reverse. Obviously, the graders at NGC really liked this rare coin, and so do we! |
$292.50 |
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1883-O VAM 2 PCGS MS63 (Lot 6028)
The key diagnostic for the 1883-O VAM 2 is the “Dash” located under the second “8” in the date. In the early days of VAM collecting, such “Dash” varieties were quite popular with collectors. The fact that the Mint engraver manually had to place a dash on the individual dies captured our imaginations. As a final step, the third digit of the date was then centered over the dash to correctly position the date. Of course, the dash was then supposed to be removed, which it was in most cases. But occasionally it remained, as is the case here. In terms of the grade, this specimen has few marks and blazing luster. In fact, it “looks” MS64… and in the holders of most other grading services probably would be MS64! |
$40.48 |
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1884-O/O VAM 7A NGC MS66 (Lot 6029)
Like exquisitely high grades? How about the rare instance of a stellar grade with a highly desirable variety? Well, this specimen has it all. It’s in an NGC MS66 holder and it looks like it could have been graded higher! The VAM 7 has an extremely clear “O/O” mintmark feature with a raised line running down the center of the mintmark opening. It’s one of the best. The outside edges of the right wreath and STATES OF AMERICA are doubled, as well. But it’s the area of light pitting around ED of UNITED that raises this variety to an R-5 level. We’ve never seen one of these offered for sale, and it’s not likely there’s another MS66 VAM 7A. Stunning. |
$309.38 |
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1884-S/S VAM 3 ANACS XF45 (Lot 6030)
As a date the 1884-S is quite remarkable. In MS63 it’s a $23,000 item, and in MS64 it’s $77,000! Now, if your head’s stopped spinning, listen to this. The XF45 specimen offered here is breath-taking for the grade, and certainly “looks” AU. Indeed, lesser specimens are offered raw at most coin shows across America labeled AU53. And in terms of varieties, the VAM 3 is one of the most interesting of the 1884-S varieties, with a clear “S/S” repunched mintmark. Overall, it’s a great looking example of a variety that’s seldom seen, and it has strong luster and nice surfaces. |
$140.63 |
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1884-CC VAM 2 NGC MS64 (Lot 6031)
For those who love gorgeous toning, here’s a coin for you! The fact that it’s on a silver dollar struck at the legendary Carson City Mint makes it even better! The VAM 2 is quite interesting as the doubling on the “18—“ of the date is so dramatic. The first “C” in the “CC” mintmark is also doubled. But the electric blue toning at the top of the obverse and the golden brown toning on the reverse really set this specimen apart. The fact that the Greysheet value of an “AU” is $145/Bid and $160/Ask shows how valuable these are in any grade. This coin in NGC MS64 is PQ! |
$196.88 |
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1887-P MPD-002 ANACS MS64 DMPL (Lot 6033)
Misplaced Dates, or MPDs as they’re called, represent one of the newer areas of VAM collecting. It turns out that in a few cases, the Mint engraver inadvertently punched the date into the silver dollar die so out of position that it had to be re-done. In rare instances, the partial remains of the original date are still visible in the denticles! Only one MPD, the 1896 VAM 19, made it into the TOP 100 listings. But here is a similar variety. MPD-002 (as labeled on the ANACS holder) shows the top curve of an “8” in the denticles, under the “7.” And worth noting is the fact that we haven’t heard of another MPD of any date in this lofty condition. |
$208.13 |
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1888-O VAM 11 ANACS MS63 PL (Lot 6034)
Booming luster on a Proof-like obverse, and a reverse that’s MS65 and DMPL are two strong points that make this specimen worth considering. The VAM 11 variety shows doubling under the top crossbar of the “1” in the date. And the reverse is a doubled die, with doubling visible on the left wreath and ribbon bow. A few scattered marks on the obverse hardly detract from the overall “look” of the coin which is phenomenal. And the incredible Proof-Like surfaces add to the appeal. |
$67.50 |
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1889-S/S VAM 7 PCGS MS63 (Lot 6035)
Here’s a coin that has everything going for it! First of all, this is the first time we’ve seen this dramatic “S/S” Repunched Mintmark offered for sale. It’s undoubtedly scarce. Secondly, the remains of the underlying “S” in the mintmark are clearly visible inside the top recess of the primary mintmark. Thirdly, the 1889-S is a very scarce date in its own right, with an original mintage of only 700,000! And lastly, this specimen is in a PCGS MS63 holder. Also worth mentioning is the fact that the reverse is Deep Mirror Proof-Like! |
$309.38 |
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1890-O VAM 11 PCGS MS62 (Lot 6036)
1890-O specimens are scarcer than is generally perceived, and their price at the MS63 level is, in our opinion, quite undervalued. That said, 1890-O varieties in strict BU condition may be a good bet for the future. The VAM 11 has what’s called a “Near Date,” meaning the date is set to the left of its normal position, and its mintmark is set high and to the left on this reverse. But the main point here is that this particular specimen is precisely the quality of better-date coins often seen at major coin shows with MS63 or MS64 marked on the flip. Did we mention that this example has great luster for an 1890-O? |
$52.88 |
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1891-S VAM 3 ANACS MS62 (Lot 6038)
Many consider the 1891-S VAM 3 to be a “sleeper” in the TOP 100 listings, both in terms of value and its limited obtainability. When was the last time you saw one? In any case, the VAM 3 has nicely doubled left stars on the obverse, and on this specimen, the doubling is particularly dramatic. There’s light toning around the periphery, which doesn’t get in the way of the coin’s nice features. And the bagmarks on the cheek do little to detract from the overall perception of superb quality. Here’s an affordable VAM 3 that’s frosty and lustrous. |
$112.50 |
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1892-P VAM 5 NGC MS62 (Lot 6039)
In the Morgan dollar series, doubling on various design features is sometimes encountered, but rarely do you find tripling. And in the end, tripled features sometimes translate into huge premiums. In the case of the 1892-P VAM 5, the bottom insides of the letters in E PLURIBUS UNUM are doubled and tripled, with the “E” in particular showing nice tripling. And if that isn’t enough, Liberty’s chin is strongly doubled also. So, why hasn’t the VAM 5 caught on? Simply put, nobody knows about it. Apparently, few have closely examined this better date for varieties. Condition-wise, the specimen here has golden toning around the periphery, and is unusual for its smooth, even luster. We haven’t seen a better example of this interesting variety! |
$163.13 |
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1893-P VAM 4 ANACS AU58 (Lot 6040)
This coin has a lot going for it. First of all it’s a rare date. The original mintage for 1893-P circulation strikes was only 378,700! Further adding to its cache is the fact that the VAM 4 is a “TOP 100” Doubled Stars variety. What about grade? Here also, this specimen excels. It’s an AU58 with basically full luster and extremely attractive surfaces. Because even a non-variety AU50 (Not AU58!) is valued at over $300 and an MS60 at $550, this 1893-P AU58 VAM 4 may be the best deal since the Dutch bought Manhattan Island in 1626 for about $24!
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$388.13 |
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1899-O VAM 4 ANACS AU55 (Lot 6042)
The Morgan dollar “Micro O” varieties are highly controversial TOP 100 VAMs. When it comes to the 1896-O, 1900-O and 1002-O “Micro O” varieties, Van Allen now takes the position that they were made “outside the Mint.” Read that as counterfeit! However, there is no question that the five known 1899-O “Micro O” varieties are genuine, and that leaves them as the sole non-1880 “Micro O” varieties. As a result, the value of VAMs 4, 5, 6, 31 and 32 have gone through the roof! Want an example? The last recorded sale for an AU55 VAM 4 specimen was $346. The coin offered here is outstanding in every respect and solid for the grade. |
$196.88 |
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1900-O VAM 13 PCGS MS63 (Lot 6044)
The VAM 13 is a strongly Repunched Date, with the “1” doubled under the top crossbar, the “9” doubled at the top inside of the upper loop, and the final “0” doubled strongly along the bottom outside. But it is the dramatic doubled clash marks that attracted us. Two sets of clash marks are visible behind the bonnet on the obverse, and another set can be seen at the top inside of the right wreath. After checking the latest Van Allen supplement, it appears the heavily clashed VAM 13 is not listed. In any case, this specimen is a stunning PCGS MS63 with smooth lustrous surfaces and few significant marks of any kind. This coin won’t disappoint! |
$49.50 |
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1902-P VAM 16 SEGS AU58 Discovery Coin (Lot 6045)
Over the past several years, common date VAM "Discovery Coins” have been listed on EBay for absurd prices, which sometimes exceed a thousand dollars. So, when this scarcer coin was consigned to us at a reasonable price, we jumped at the chance to include it. This 1902-P is the original coin to which Van Allen assigned VAM 16. Liberty’s profile is doubled from the forehead down to the neck, hence the “Doubled Liberty Head” moniker. And on the reverse, many of the letters in UNITED STATES are tripled at the bottom insides. It’s an amazing new variety! In a SEGS holder labeled AU58, this interesting coin is a no-question Choice AU. |
$315.00 |
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1921-D VAM 1H ANACS AU53 (Lot 6047)
This is precisely the type of coin many collectors like to pick up. In fact, this scarce coin is from the Jim Hart Collection. If you don’t own a VAM 1H, then here is a nice looking Choice AU specimen to fill the slot. And it’s dirt cheap! If you’re not specializing in 1921-dated coinage, this coin makes lots of sense. The VAM 1H has a double break between the second and third stars to the left of the date. Van Allen has assigned it an R-7 rarity rating, which puts it up in the stratosphere when it comes to rarity. In terms of condition, this specimen displays only a hint of rub, and would more likely be seen raw as an MS62. Very little risk and lots of rarity make a good combination…. |
$39.38 |
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1922-D VAM 17 NGC MS64 (Lot 6048)
This is the first 22-D VAM 17 we’ve encountered. It has a doubled die obverse, with slight doubling on a few of the letters in “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Easiest to see is the doubling on the right side of the two “2’s” in the date. There is a die crack from the neck to the top of the “1” and up through IN. This later becomes a die break under the “N” and is designated the VAM 17A. Van Allen gave the VAM 17 an R-5 rating and the VAM 17A an R-6. Both are apparently scarce. This MS64 specimen is interesting because the obverse is slightly reflective, most likely due to polishing of the die. When was the last time you saw a Peace dollar with any reflectivity? |
$118.13 |
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1923-P VAM 1A SEGS MS63 (Lot 6049)
The “Whisker Jaw” VAM 1A often sells for what some would call ridiculously high prices on EBay. Yes, it’s a dramatic Die Break variety, with a large “naked eye” break at the junction of Liberty’s jaw and neck. But in terms of rarity, it’s not in the same league as the top Peace dollar die breaks. That said, the VAM 1A is in the TOP 50 listings, and it deserves to be there. The specimen here is Mint State, and may have the look of an MS63, but I can see a mark on the cheek that’s visible only under magnification. So, I would call this one no better than an MS62. Also worth noting is the fact that it is as late a die state as we’ve seen. |
$181.87 |
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1923-P VAM 1F ANACS MS62 (Lot 6050)
The 1923-P “Chin Bar” variety displays what is probably the longest die gouge in Peace dollar series. It is so dramatic and so popular that it had to be included in the TOP 50 listings. However, the variety itself is far from rare. Specifically, VAM 1F specimens are obtainable up through MS64. So, the object is to not accept over-graded, inferior specimens. That’s why slabbed examples are recommended. This coin has blazing luster, lots of detail and smooth surfaces. Why the MS62 grade? We don’t know, since similar specimens often trade as MS63+ coins. Anyway, this example is certainly priced right. |
$33.75 |
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1923-P VAM 1H NGC MS64 (Lot 6051)
How about an R-6 Die Break variety? The 23-P VAM 1H displays a raised run of metal near the right edge of the eagle’s wing just below the shoulder. We believe that die breaks like this represent the wave of the future in terms of VAMs and Peace dollars, and this variety will be in that vanguard. Now for the grade. MS64 is at the top of the food chain for the VAM 1H, as most seen are MS60 to MS62. This one is a gorgeous MS64 with bright luster and a minimum of marks. It would be next to impossible to improve upon this specimen, now or in the future. |
$421.88 |
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*Price includes the buyers premium.
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