Are my eyes deceiving me, or is this 1895 S a VAM 4 S/Horizontal S?

Hey everyone!

Just going through some coins, came across this lovely 1895 S. Took a closer look at the mintmark and noticed something strange going on...I realize it's a bit difficult to see in places due to dirt/crud, but I can definitely see signs of VAM 4 (according to http://www.vamworld.com/1895-S+VAM-4 ) According to them, this is usually found in DMPL coins. This coin being a circulated VF...what do you think?

Also, I am trying to figure out a value for this coin if it is indeed a VAM 4...does anyone have a more recent price guide (the VAM book at the local coin shop is the 1983 version, lists this at $175.)

As always, thanks for your thoughts...

~benjamin

Photos:

Obverse



Reverse



Closeup of the LIBERTY on the obverse, you can see the lines above the E as shown in VAM world, but not the line across the B.



Closeup of the S on the reverse, there is definitely something on the upper left of the mintmark. In addition, under the gunk there are traces of the other elements of the horizontal S. I believe you can also see some of the die scratches in the fields to the left of the mintmark.

 

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BTW I'm not sure how that additional photo got attached on the back end of this posting, but I can't figure out how to remove it (Manage attachments, selected image, hit X in the upper right hand corner, OK to confirm...nothing happens.)

 

Click save changes! :smile

 

It's a little hard to tell from just the photo, but I'm inclined to think that it isn't the "S over horizontal S". Given the condition of your specimen, it doesn't look like the top serif which should be clearly visible in its entirety to the left at the top of the mintmark is all there.

The 2011 VAMView Price Guide lists the VAM-4 at $800 in VF and $1200 in EF.

Chris

 

Thanks, Taylor, but definitely tried that.

 

hmmm.....refresh the page after you push the x and then do the same thing and click x and save it. :smile

 

By the way, this coin belongs to my auctioneer friend who has asked me to sell it for him once I figure out a value. If anyone is interested - let me know!

 

Why does it look like the "ONE" in "ONE DOLLAR" says "ON E"?
Also looks like the coin has been cleaned.

 

Seems to resemble other images of graded coins - nothing out of the ordinary (IMO.)

 

I dunno, it just caught my eye.