Vamworld? Other? I'm learning about grading Morgans and want to learn some of this at the same time. Thanks.
I was gifted The Top 100 Morgan Dollar Varieties: The VAM Keys by Michael S. Fey, Ph.D and Jeff Oxman. It seems to be an adequate start and is a pocket guide so it's not too cumbersome.
VAM books are listed here in case you haven't seen the link: http://www.vamworld.com/VAM+Books I only bought "the big VAM book" and now refer mainly to the information that can be found on their web site.
If you want to learn about VAMs, VAMworld is an obvious and free starting point. If for the type in general, the so-called "VAM book" (Van Allen Malis - Encyclopedia of Morgan and Peace dollars) is a fine and affordable reference although not one that has its greatest value in its incomplete and out of date VAM listings. Earlier editions can be had for very little money - the final edition, the 4th IIRC, can be purchased anywhere from approx. $60-$90 or so - and offer a wealth of info on the types.
The most current copy of the Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan and Peace Dollars, 4th Edition by Leroy Van Allen & A. George Mallis was published in 1992. At that time, it listed about 1,800 Morgan & Peace varieties. Today, there are more than 4,000 varieties, but the book does contain a wealth of information about the production and distribution of the silver cartwheels. The VAMWorld.com website still continues to be the best resource for identifying VAM's, and if you browse their home page, you can find numerous other books devoted to VAM's. Chris
I've seen that supplements to the last edition of the VAM book can be ordered directly from the author. But there are yearly updates, it seems I would need all supplements to have a "complete" reference, correct? http://www.vamworld.com/Leroy+Van+Allen+Supplements