i collect vams and came across this 1897-o the closest vam i can put it to is the vam 5, so i put pictures up on vamworld and i was told it was a poor attemped of someone trying to add a mint mark. but i cant see how someone could add metal to a coin and look like this. what do you guys think.
I saw this over on VAMworld and wasn't really sure what happened either. My first though was post mint damage, it looks like the O was banged up, possibly a big hit that folded down some of the top metal of the O, and over time it wore down to look like part of the design. Imo I would expect to see more signs of damage around the area of the mm if it was added, unless it was added with glue. So I would dip the coin in acetone for a little while, because if it was glued on it would fall off. But overall the only thing I'm sure of is, it's interesting .
its not glued on, its made to the coin and is in the right spot for the vam 5 but just drifferent like when it was pressed at mint having extra metal in the mint mark. i also sent picture to other vam sites to see if i come up with something. i dont think haveing a die chip in the mint mark would be a new vam or not. and the 1897-o isnt worth alot in this grade so i dont think someone would go to all the work trying to make it look drifferent.
1897-o vam I'm suprised at Vamworld's response since they keep track of all the PCGS, NGC and ANACS Vams. Was it an attempt with a viewer in Vamworld or from the actual team at Vamworld? My other thought is to send a picture to ANACS as they are the largest grading service to recognize Vams. Since you are a Vam collector, you probably already know that and you probably also know that PCGS has no vams recognized for that date. Still, interesting find - I hope your able to learn more about it. LarryB.
