I have been searching through a bunch of coins for a friend and ran across a well-worn 1888-O Morgan Dollar with an obverse die crack. I am wondering if this is a VAM that makes the coin worth more than a regular '88-O. The obverse die crack is located at about 11:30 or 12:00 and runs from the lower part of the Liberty's crown (near the bottom of the L in LIBERTY) to the left leg of the R in PLURIBUS and out of the center of the R to a denticle. I hope my description is adequate for identifying the VAM but I will post a photo if needed.
I dont think it would bring the value up that much if the coin is worn alot . Well even if the coin was in EF shape a die crack won't bring the value up much anyway unless it's listed in the top 50 list . I have a 1922 peace dollar with a die crack in UNC condition and it's not worth much more maybe 5 to 10 bucks the most. The die crack vams don't seem to bring a high premium Jazzcoins Joe
That's what I figured. But since I don't collect Morgans and don't know much about VAMs I thought I would ask. You never know.
vamworld.com has every Morgan Vam by year and MM, they also show the rarity and value of some of the most recent ones sold.
What OxJaw said, even if it's worn, if it's a rare VAM it might be worth a few bucks. If it's a Scarface... http://www.vamworld.com/1888-O+VAM-1B Then it's worth BIG bucks.
I did kind of skim your post, but some of these VAMs are worth a small fortune. Might be worth some digging.
Hobo. What you're describing appears to be a Variety: Clashed Die "E" Reverse. If you look at the reverse there should be the faint appearance of an "E" just below the left side of the Eagles tail feathers. The Die crack you described on the obverse is evident on some if these VAMS.
THAT is the crack. Exactly. So what variety (or VAM) is this? Does it carry a premium? Thanks for your help.
It's a VAM 1A......VF-20 = $40., EF 40 = $60. These prices are out of a book so they might have changed. You said the coin was well worn so the "E" below the eagles tail feathers might be worn away. But like I said before, this die crack is evident of the Variety "VAM 1A, Clashed Die "E" reverse.
Great! Now I can tell my friend what she has. While it is not worth a lot it is a VAM (not that that means anything to her). Thanks again.
Bruce, I don't know much about VAMs, but make sure you don't have the "hot lips" variety associated with the 88O. Sounds like you have a different VAM though.
Yep, the clashed 'E' is there. I would not have noticed it without that photo because it is very faint and the coin is worn. Thanks for helping me identify this VAM.
