I'm not able to give a really good answer at the moment since I'm away from my computer until next Monday. Nevertheless, il add some commentary. Many people mistake the term "VAM" for "feature on a coin," rather than, "a specific Morgan or Peace dollar die marriage," also applying it to types other than Morgan and Peace dollars. Don't feel bad for doing this, but feel thankful for being corrected. In this case, a feature that differentiates VAMs 34 and 34A is the growth of die breaks, as most die breaks grow gradually, there tends not to be a hard boundary between them. With this one, you need to have the thick breaks shown on both sides to call it VAM 34A. If they're not all there, it's VAM 34.
Absolutelly right. I found exactly the same die breaks as shown on the site "http://vamworld.com/wiki/1899-O_VAM-34A", except, of course, the lines in the wing. So, can I call that coin of XF40 or AU50 - VAM 34A?
I just purchased an 1899 Morgan dollar about 2 weeks ago for about $100. I've given it a rough grade of VF-20. I'm not seeing a lot of issues with the coin except some wear here and there and some black spots at 8 and 3 on the reverse. It might improve with an acetone dip. It is definitely not VAM. Here are some pics:
Phil, your Morgan is a VAM, they all are. If you post larger images we may be able to figure out which one.