I finally joined VAM World but I haven't broken my cherry and made a post there yet. Not sure they are quite ready of my bombardment of VAM questions with coin photos. I posted this coin when I first got it a couple of months ago, a 1882 CC GSA haul purchase. I was just looking at it and realized it's a VAM variety. But I hate my lack of literacy on VAM World and it's quite confusing to me. There is definitely an attribution under the N on the reverse side, monster double N clash between the N and wing. Is this a VAM 3-B or something else? Nothing else in 3-B seems to match but this. Thanks. Using the seller's photos since mine are terrible.
Thats a neck clash. The N would be seen on the opposite side at the neck if it is there. I don't see it. Those two neck clashes and the clash with the mouth would be your two pick ups for the right VAM. Remember that a 3a is an earlier die stage than a 3b.
See, this right here is why I love this forum. I'm sick of seeing PUP's in VAMS and it turns out to be a different one. This definitely got characteristics of a VAM, but it's like looking for a needle in a haystack. The lines under the N are glaring and characteristic of a listed VAM, I just don't know which one. Some VAMs are overlapping, and some don't have every symptom of the listed one. Maybe it's different stages of dies breaking down? I dunno. Finding them is tedious but also interesting and fun. Who knows, people discover new ones going forward. I just got a 1998 O that I pretty much think I nail for attribution. But it was graded by PCGS at 64 with no attribution. I may post that sometime in the coming weeks. Would I be better off taking these questions to VAM World? This probably has little interest here and boring to a lot of people.
I never really got into the VAM's that much. You posted it in the right place. We talk here quite a bit, we used to talk about VAM's nearly every day, and still do talk about them, just not as passionately as times past. It is real easy to get frustrated with ID. There are many here that could pick out a top 100 or even a hotlist without even having to look at a reference. I would encourage you to become a member over there and read. Understand the terminology and lingo. Take a look at these overlays they might help you with die clashes. Scroll down to denominational overlays. https://www.maddieclashes.com/
Ok. I am now seeing two markers for 3A. The blob of metal at the top of the wreath between the wreath and wing on the right side? (as you face the coin). This is in addition to the lines below the n. ?? Thanks.
That blob of metal is common on the New Orleans dies of many dates. I think also the 1887 P has the same marker, the one with the Alligator Eye. I have one of those by the way but have not posted it.
There is one at the mouth and wreath left side of the coin. An early die clash will leave remnants of the opposite design on each side of the coin, that is until it is noticed by quality control and either gets lapped/polished or if the die is heavily worn it might get replaced with a new die, or even slightly used die. I would just encourage you to learn the lingo, ask questions, and study, read as much as you can.
Or easier, just pay ANACS to do the work. I haven't inquired of them yet, but will ANACS sticker a PCGS slab? No way I am getting them to crack out a PCGS slab.
Thanks. When I get some time I'll look into the service you mentioned. I'm looking again this morning and see evidence of 2b2, lip, wreath, line under N but no neck mark that I can see. So that is 3 markers of the ones listed. http://ec2-13-58-222-16.us-east-2.compute.amazonaws.com/wiki/1882-CC_VAM-2B2
I checked out your site after pickin pointed it out. What's your average turnaround time for attribution for already slabbed coins? I didn't know you did this as a business, wasn't expecting advice, er certification for free. I didn't see where to send, forms to fill out, etc on my initial look. Thanks..
Forms are at http://varslab.com/vssub.pdf. You can fill it out in your browser then print it. I make 1-2 trips to the PO each week. Turnaround for a single coin that is straightforward is currently one trip to the PO.
