| Winning Lots from Auction #9 |
| Lot Image |
Lot Name (Lot #)
Description |
Price Realized* |
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1878-P 8-TF VAM 17 PCGS MS64 (Lot 9006)
The VAM 17 is often encountered at coin shows and numismatic auctions, but it’s safe to say that NO 8-TF variety could be called “common” in the PQ condition of this specimen. Liberty is frosty, the obverse fields are quite reflective, and there’s hardly a noticeable mark on the reverse. So, we couldn’t help but include it in this month’s VAMquest auction! Simply put, if you’re looking for a nice 8-TF example for your collection that’s in a PCGS holder and priced right, this may be the coin for you! |
$292.50 |
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1878-P 8-TF VAM 23 ANACS MS64 PL (Lot 9007)
For those on a quest for spectacular 8TF and/or doubled die obverse varieties, this VAM 23 fits the bill perfectly. Liberty’s nose, lips and chin show some of the best doubling on any Morgan dollar. Want more? The label on this slab indicates a two-sided “Proof-like,” which is a designation that’s hard-to-get from any of the grading services these days. And what about the grade? MS64 is top of the line for this variety, which makes the outstanding TOP 100 specimen offered here one of the finest known. |
$506.25 |
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1878-P 7/8-TF VAM 39 PCGS MS63 (Lot 9008)
No wonder everyone loves coins in PCGS holders! Take this 1878 7/8-TF for example. Happily residing in an MS63 PCGS slab, this coin as a raw coin would undoubtedly be sold as an “MS64” at coin shows across the country. And the VAM 39, with its five extra TF tips visible under the eagle, is one of the scarcer 7/8-TF VAMs. PCGS labels it a “Strong” 7/8-TF variety, which adds to its value. Nice. |
$219.38 |
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1878 7/8-TF VAM 42(A) NGC MS63 (Lot 9009)
It’s hard to resist a 7/8-TF variety with a full row of extra TF tips under the eagle’s tail-feathers on the reverse. That’s why PCGS puts “Strong” on its labels to identify varieties like this. And the NGC label for this coin says “VAM 42 7/7 TF” meaning there are 7 extra TF tips visible below the eagle’s TFs, which is the maximum number possible. And for you die state fanatics, it’s also worth mentioning that there are amazing die cracks that run around the periphery on the reverse that are simply incredible. What about grade? This PQ coin, with its nice detail lustrous surfaces, fits nicely at the top end of the MS63 grade. |
$225.00 |
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1878-P 7-TF VAM 118 ANACS AU50 (Lot 9012)
For those collectors who are assembling a set of 1878 7-TF Morgans, there are a number of “stoppers” for the set. The VAM 118 is one of them. In this cataloger’s opinion, the Top Five 7-TFs are the VAM 123, the VAM 166, the VAM 188, the VAM 189 and the VAM 118. And all are ultra-rare to unknown in true Mint State condition. The upshot is that this offering of a slabbed AU VAM 118 is an important opportunity. One transaction a few years ago involved a specimen that wouldn’t measure up to this one, and the price was $1000! |
$421.88 |
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1879-S Rev78 VAM 9 ANACS MS63 (Lot 9013)
The 1879-S variety-type with its so-called “Reverse of ‘78” is an often overlooked rarity, still waiting to come into the spotlight with silver dollar collectors. Yes, it’s now part of a non-variety set of Morgan dollars, but the individual varieties have only a limited following. That will change in the future. In any case, if you want to upgrade the coin in your collection, then this 1879-S with Rev78 VAM 9 should do it! It’s frosty, well struck and gorgeous in all respects. |
$337.50 |
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1880-S 8/7 VAM 9 PCGS MS64 (Lot 9015)
The key to attributing the VAM 9, which is the second rarest of the 1880-S Overdates, is to identify the overdate markings in the second “8” in the date. Then turn the coin over to confirm a “Large S” mintmark, which used a mintmark punch unique to 1880 San Francisco silver dollars. The coin offered here is all a collector would want in an MS64 holder, with its clean, frosty cheek and abundant luster. Similar examples have sold for multiples of this on EBay. |
$163.13 |
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1880-S Unattributed NGC MS64 (Lot 9016)
There’s lots to recommend this stunning 1880-S specimen! And like many high end ‘80-S silver dollars, the luster is spectacular, the strike is strong, and the overall “look” of the coin is absolutely everything a collector could ask for in an slabbed NGC MS64 holder. Unimprovable for the grade! |
$45.00 |
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1882-O/S VAM 5 EDS PCGS MS61 (Lot 9017)
Here a coin that takes center stage in the TOP 100 as a major rarity. It’s the Early Die State of the popular 1882-O/S VAM 5 and it’s in the right holder! Three different 1882-O/S varieties are known, VAM 3, 4 and 5. Each has an ultra-rare Early Die State, and all are quite desirable. The present specimen is particularly attractive, with a white frosty cheek on Liberty. Will it cross over? Yes, it’s already in a PCGS slab! Not many collectors have seen an example of the VAM 5 EDS, and we’re proud to offer one here. |
$506.25 |
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1883-O Unattributed PCGS MS63 (Lot 9018)
When a coin this nice shows up in an MS63 holder, we don’t hesitate to acquire it for the auctions, and this one was simply too good to pass up in a PCGS slab. This 1883-O displays minimal marks, blazing luster, a clean cheek and lots of eye appeal. In fact, we’re at a loss as to why this one isn’t in an MS64 holder! |
$38.25 |
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1884-P Unattributed PCGS MS63 (Lot 9021)
Ever notice that you don’t see that many high grade 1884-P’s in PCGS holders? It’s because so many are impaired or just plain ugly! This coin breaks the mold, with its razor sharp detail and its lustrous surfaces. Best of all, it’s a gorgeous specimen in a PCGS slab. |
$37.13 |
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1884-O/O VAM 9 NGC MS64 (Lot 9023)
The 1884-O VAM 9 has one of the best Repunched Mintmarks for this New Orleans date, and as such is appealing to specialists. The key attribute is of course the line that runs down the center of the “O” mintmark opening, which is all that remains of the underlying mintmark. And as for condition, this golden toned beauty will take your breath away! |
$39.38 |
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1884-O/O VAM 10 ANACS MS65 (Lot 9024)
A couple of decades ago, no less a figure than the numismatic giant, Walter Breen, maintained that the 84-O/O VAM 10 is really an “O/CC.” And in the early days of VAM collecting this view was at least tolerated. That’s why this variety found its way into the HOT 50 listings. In any case, the VAM 10 is now on the Hit Lists of many collectors, and condition census specimens are always in-demand. This one, which is destined for one of the best VAM sets, is in extremely high grade. |
$140.63 |
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1884-O Unattributed PCGS MS64 (Lot 9025)
Forget the variety on this one. If you’re looking for a PCGS MS64 Morgan dollar with an incredible frosty cheek on Liberty and few marks of any kind, then this coin is for you. And it’s offered with a Minimum Bid of less that you’ll find anywhere else. Don’t believe us? Check EBay. Indeed, this coin is the poster child for why everyone wants PCGS coins -- its quality is amazing! |
$47.08 |
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1885-O VAM 10 NGC MS63 PL (Lot 9026)
There are surprisingly few 1885-O varieties that have lit a fire under the VAM collecting public. In fact, of the 15 varieties listed in the VAM book, the VAM 10 “Bar Ear” variety is the only one worth mentioning. Yes, it’s a “Dash” variety with a small horizontal dash below the second “8” in the date. But much more exciting is the unusual raised gouge in front of Liberty’s ear that gives the variety its name. This Early Die State shows razor sharp detail of the variety feature, and it’s the first Proof-like example of this variety we’ve seen. High grade and very attractive – a nice combination! |
$50.63 |
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1885-S/S VAM 6 ANACS AU58 PL (Lot 9027)
When was the last time you saw an 1885-S with Proof-Like surfaces? Probably not recently. With an original mintage of less than one and a half million, the date itself is considered scarce. But there’s more to the story here. This specimen is the rarely encountered TOP 100 VAM 6 with Repunched Mintmark. This “S/S” is strongly doubled with the bottom serif of the underlying “S” clearly visible. It would be hard to improve upon this AU58 Proof-Like example, as the mirrors are deep, Liberty is frosty, and the eye appeal is outstanding. |
$174.38 |
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1886-P VAM 5 PCGS MS64 (Lot 9028)
The consignor of this coin put a sticker over the MS64 grade and wrote in MS65. Nope, you can’t do that, friend. But the coin IS particularly nice. The main variety feature here is the super doubling on the “18” of the date. As for the condition of the coin, most would say this coin is undergraded in the PCGS MS64 holder. No significant marks and the booming luster make this an incredible specimen. |
$50.23 |
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1886-S/S VAM 2 ANACS MS62 (Lot 9029)
With its original mintage of only 750,000 the 1886-S is a very scarce date to begin with. Add to that the presence of the only significant Repunched Mintmark for 1886-S and you have a winning TOP 100 combination. As for the “S/S” mintmark, the original “S” was correctly oriented on the die, but the second application of the mintmark was tilted to the left. The result was that traces of the original are visible at the top right and bottom left of the final mintmark. With golden hues and lots of luster, Mint State VAM 2 specimens like this don’t appear often. |
$253.13 |
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1887-P Triple Clash PCGS MS64 (Lot 9030)
Close inspection of the major clash mark located at the top inside of the right wreath shows that this reverse die clashed at least two times, and probably three. We had to get this specimen for that reason alone. However, this 1887-P example also happens to reside in a PCGS MS64 holder. So, the coin is absolute Premium Quality and we thought VAMquest bidders would like a shot at this lustrous near Gem. |
$95.63 |
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1887-O VAM 26 NGC MS63 (Lot 9033)
This “near date/doubled stars” variety is often confused with the TOP 100 VAM 5. In fact, the coin offered here was originally found in an NGC MS63 VAM 5 holder! When NGC was informed about their mistake, they gladly reholdered it. The key is the first two stars to the right of the date are lightly doubled. This inexpensive example, which is solid for the grade, would make an excellent reference coin to avoid future confusion. And the coin itself has lustrous surfaces and generous eye appeal. |
$56.25 |
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1888-O VAM 1B Scarface PCGS MS62 (Lot 9034)
A drum roll please….. It’s always a landmark VAM Sale when an 1888-O VAM 1B Late Die State Scarface variety is offered. And VAMquest Auctions is proud to present a PCGS MS62 specimen. Whoa, they don’t come much better than this! In fact, a quick look at recent transactions for the LDS VAM 1B-3 points toward a future where the “sky’s the limit.” Here, a hint of golden toning frames the coin’s lustrous surfaces, and with the PCGS Registry so popular, this extremely attractive coin is “Registry ready!” |
$4,500.00 |
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1888-O VAM 4 Hot Lips PCGS AU55 (Lot 9035)
VAM auctions tend to be measured by how good the best coins are. If rare varieties are offered that can’t be found anywhere else, in the grades you seldom if ever see, then you have an indicator of the kind of quality that’s represented. In this auction we offer an 1888-O “Hot Lips” VAM 4 variety in AU55. That grade would probably put this specimen in the condition census category for what is clearly the number one Doubled Die Obverse variety in the Morgan dollar series. And this gorgeous example is not is just any holder. The consignor thought this was a fabulous example, and PCGS agreed! White and highly lustrous, this legendary specimen would be the centerpiece of any VAM collection. |
$2,700.00 |
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1888-O VAM 6 Oval O ANACS AU55 (Lot 9036)
Considering the fact that BU examples of any 1888-O Oval O variety are scarcer than hen’s teeth, high end AU’s are basically top-of the-line. Here we offer a VAM 6 with Oval O mintmark, with its strongly doubled “6” in the date serving as the major diagnostic. Under magnification there’s significant contact on this specimen, but the luster is outstanding and at arm’s length, this coin might be mistaken for a BU. |
$90.00 |
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1888-O VAM 9 PCGS MS64 (Lot 9037)
Here is a high grade 1888-O VAM 9 that’s part of the TOP 100 and PCGS Registry ready. The VAM 9 is well known for its clear, heavy doubling on the wreath leaves to the right of the ribbon bow on the reverse. Of importance here, the surfaces are basically mark-free and the luster is exceptionally smooth and even. In fact, we believe you simply couldn’t do better than this specimen for the grade. |
$140.63 |
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1891-P Unattributed PCGS MS62 (Lot 9039)
We weren’t about to let this one get away, since 1891-P coins in PCGS MS62 holders are, at least to us, quite desirable. Why? In MS60 the Greysheet lists the 91-P at only $38, but in MS63 it jumps to $140. So, it makes sense that an MS62 at $95 is a bargain! Throw in a $25 PCGS holder and it appears that slabbed 91-P specimens such as this represent an opportunity. Furthermore, few MS62’s look like this coin, which would fit nicely in non-PCGS MS63 slab. In fact, the buyer of this coin will probably ask why it’s not already in an MS63 PCGS holder! |
$97.03 |
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1892-O VAM 14 SEGS XF40 (Discovery Coin) (Lot 9040)
There’s something almost magical about the original “Discovery Coins” for new varieties. And this is especially true when the variety itself is significant. The only problem is that the discoverers tend to ask such outrageous prices. Not so, here. This 1892-O VAM 14 “Discovery Coin” has a doubled date (“1-92”) and the obverse stars are doubled. Nice! How scarce is it? This is the first and only one we’ve seen! Also, the coin is attractive and lustrous for the grade. |
$174.38 |
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1896-P VAM 3 ANACS MS63 (Lot 9041)
The 1896-P VAM 3 is a rather fascinating variety, with the second and third numerals of the date repunched. But what’s unusual here is that rather than doubling at the tops or bottoms of the numbers, the “8” shows a vertical line inside the opening of the lower loop, and the “9” shows some odd marking in its lower loop. These out-of-the-ordinary features make this variety interesting. With translucent toning on both sides, this fascinating piece, which has strong luster and few marks, is PQ for the grade. |
$36.00 |
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1897-P VAM 6A ANACS MS64 (Lot 9042)
For those of us who are VAM enthusiasts, there’s much allure in a TOP 100 variety in high grade. It’s become the Holy Grail for our specialty! Here we have a stunning 1897-P VAM 6A in an MS64 slab, which, as one of the prime Pitted Reverse varieties in the Morgan dollar series, is particularly desirable in grades above MS63.. This example looks MS65, with its wonderful luster, a hint of peripheral toning and smooth, unblemished surfaces. Will be sold in the future as an MS65! |
$129.38 |
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1897-P VAM 8 NGC MS64 (Lot 9043)
In the early days of VAM collecting, “Doubled Stars” varieties were a hot commodity. The first feature that a VAM collector looked for, when examining a coin, was often the obverse stars to the left and right of the date, in order to check for doubling. Those days are gone, and today, varieties like the 1897-P VAM 8 are often eclipsed by other types of varieties. But that’s not to say that their former glory days won’t return. As for quality, this lovely NGC VAM 8 specimen is all that a collector could want in a hand-picked MS64 example. |
$112.50 |
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1898-P Unattriubted PCGS MS64 PL (Lot 9044)
We receive many questions about how to value MS64 PL specimens, when PL’s aren’t listed in the weekly Greysheet. Our response is that one quick-and-dirty method is to simply look at the MS63 DMPL listings. They’re both generally related and somewhat equivalent. Take this 1898-P, for instance. In MS63 DMPL it’s listed at $115, which is about right for this MS64 PL. Anyway, this particular specimen sits in a premium slab and is outstanding in every regard. |
$72.98 |
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1899-O VAM 31 Micro O ANACS MS61 (Lot 9045)
With all the controversy over the 1896-O, 1900-O and 1902-O “Micro O” varieties, only the few 1899-O Micro O VAMs still remain in the good graces of collectors. So, all are now worth a heavy premium over what they used to bring. In terms of availability, every 1899-O Micro O variety is scarce in all grades, but examples can be obtained up through AU. However, in Uncirculated condition the population thins out dramatically, and any BU 99-O Micro O specimen is an important rarity. Well, here is a slabbed, lustrous, no-question Mint State example, which is listed in this grade in the RCI TOP 100 Value Guide at $2,400 as a result of an actual sale! |
$506.25 |
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1900-P VAM 14 NGC MS65 (Lot 9046)
This coin was hand-picked from a roll of 1900-P silver dollars for its superb “look.” Totally white on both sides, this MS65 specimen ended up in an NGC MS65 holder, so everyone was satisfied. It appears to be a VAM 14, with the “1” in the date closer to the rim than the last “0.” But again, it’s the coin that counts here. |
$129.38 |
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1900-O VAM 35 ANACS MS64 (Lot 9049)
The 1900-O VAM 35 is a reference coin that we recommend acquiring. Why? It is constantly being confused with the 1900-O VAM 29A, which is an ultra-rare late die state variety of the same date that brings huge premiums when found. You’ll note the die break runs into the denticles in different spots on the two varieties. This specimen is worth acquiring anyway, as Liberty’s cheek is almost flawless, the surfaces are smooth and lustrous, and most collectors would judge this coin to be MS65. |
$52.88 |
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1902-O/O VAM 8 PCI MS63 (Lot 9052)
If you like dramatic Repunched Mintmarks, then the 1902-O/O should be near the top of the list! Usually, the sparse remains of an RPM are hard to see, but here, the first “O” is clearly visible under the final “O.” The resulting O/O is spectacular, and the VAM 8 is one of the best 1902-O varieties. Normally, we don’t list PCI coins, but this coin was a worthy exception, with its outstanding luster, sharp variety feature and a reverse that grades MS65. The holder says it all – “MS63 PQ.” |
$45.00 |
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1921-P Unattributed NGC MS66 (Lot 9054)
No, it’s not a mis-print! This specimen really is in an NGC MS66 holder! 1921-P coins are, of course, known for their weak strikes, horrible surfaces and overall lack of quality. But here we offer the exception to the rule. This 1921-P is the only MS66 we’ve seen in months and if you like quality like we do, then it is irresistible. We didn’t even bother to attribute the coin. Whatever it is, this example should start the blood pounding in your numismatic veins, with its frosty, clean surfaces and stunning appearance. Cover up the date and you wouldn’t know it’s a 1921-P. |
$562.50 |
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1921-P Zerbe Dies ANACS MS62 (Lot 9056)
In our opinion, too much ink has already been used in writing about the 1921-P coins struck from so-called Zerbe dies. We attribute these coins by looking for the “dot” to the right of the base of the “1” in the date, and the striated horizontal lines across the top arrowhead on the reverse. We reiterate the fact that they’re far from rare, yet they bring serious money on EBay. The holder here cost $15. |
$32.63 |
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1922-P VAM 2F ANACS MS62 (Lot 9057)
It’s getting to the point that if it’s a TOP 50 Peace dollar variety, then it’s a hot item with collectors! A case in point is the 1922 VAM 2F “Hair Pin” variety, so named for the prominent die gouge in Liberty’s tiara. It is not a major rarity in grades up through MS60, but becomes surprisingly scarce as one ascends the Mint State ladder. In fact, we’re not aware of a single MS65 specimen. In any case, the shimmering luster and the overall look of this example is outstanding. |
$50.63 |
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1924-S VAM 3 ANACS AU50 (Lot 9058)
We consider the 1924-S VAM 3, with its doubled lower reverse, one of the true “sleepers” of the TOP 50 set. When considering the top four TOP 50 Peace dollar collections, all of which average over MS63 for the entire set, one includes an MS61 24-S VAM 3. It’s that rare! This specimen shows lots of detail and excellent luster for an AU, and it may turn out to be a valuable item in the long term. |
$121.91 |
| 1-38 | |
*Price includes the buyers premium.
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