I purchased a Morgan dollar on eBay because it was cheap and looked correct for the grade. I buy Morgan dollars when I can get them for well less than book value. I am by no means collecting them to attribute VAMs. When I got the coin I could clearly see the clash marks on the obverse and reverse. I had purchased another Morgan that was attributed on the label. I was looking at the VAM website about that coin when I decided to look up my brand new purchase. Surely with the clash marks it wouldn't be that difficult to attribute. Sort of. At this point I know nothing of Top100 clashed die Morgans, Hot List 40, or whatever other Top List there was for Morgan dollars. I just want to put a VAM to the coin. I came to the conclusion my new coin matches VAM 32A. Almost. I don't need the coin attributed. The coin does not show every mark or clash for that matter. But, there is enough of the clashes on the coin to be in the ballpark of VAM 32A. Here is what I want to know, are there early die states of VAM attribution or does that constitute another VAM number? I am not really clear on that part of it. One of the markers I cannot see is a die gouge in the left wing(looking at the coin). That is my question. Do early die states of a VAM that could be missing a later stage die marker constitute the same VAM number? Here is the picture of the coin. No coin thread should be without pics. My pics are not good enough to see all of the clashes. For everyone that has read this far, the VAM 32A attribution for 1880 is an R7+. Rare is rare.
I don't see the letter transfers at all on your coin. That, to me, would be the most important attribute for the VAM-32A. Maybe @messydesk can help you. Chris
Not sure off the top of my head which one that is, but it isn't VAM 32A. The clashed letters on VAM 32A are quite strong and would easily show up in your photo. Also, I can see that there are two vertical lines between the eagle's wing and the 'n' in 'In', where VAM 32A only has one. If I took the time, I would probably be able to get you a VAM number from these pictures, but I usually like to see coins in person first. Also, don't pay attention to the R-numbers on the VAM listings, and don't try to infer value from them. These numbers were estimates at the time of discovery and aren't updated as collectors get a better feel for actual rarity. VAM 32A is probably R5 like most other varieties. It is in demand and will get you a bit of a premium, but you can't compare it to what R7 means in large cents or bust halves.
