Calling all Morgan Dollar VAM Experts

Hey everyone!

As I mentioned in my WTS ad, I just received quite a few nice Morgans, and, well, I'm asking for your help. I'll be trying to research whether there are any VAM's in this group, but if you see something you recognize, I'd truly appreciate the help.

In any case, it will be a great opportunity to practice attribution skills and learn something. I know I will!

I will update the post as information is gained.

Here is the first batch of 10 coins:

1881 S #1
VAM-22
*Die gouge (like a bowtie) in first 8 of date, also spikes on the inside of the top loop of the first 8 and to the left of the top loop of the first 8.



1881 S #2
*First 8 looks doubled on bottom, maybe VAM-2? Actually, I think I may see a die chip in the left leaves of the reverse, which would make it VAM-16.



1883 O #1
VAM-11
*Spike coming from eagle's throat on reverse.
*Reverse Die clash near right leaves.
*Obverse die clash under Liberty's chin.
*Obverse die clash near bottom right of cap.
*Die chip on obverse E of E PLURIBUS



1883 O #2
*Die crack on obverse from E, through stars, into bust.
*Die crack below bust, running through lower hair and up to cap.
*Die crack through cap, from leaves above LIBERTY to field below cap.
*Die clash on reverse right side upper leaves.
*Die clash under eagle's neck.
*Die crack from left leaves to eagle's right wing.




1884 O
VAM-29A
*Obverse die crack from E through stars and through date.
*Reverse die crack from U of UNITED through star and O of ONE to rim.
*O/O
*Reverse die crack from right leaves to 2nd A of AMERICA.
*Reverse die crack through OF, eagle's left wing, to rim.



1885
*Reverse die crack from eagle's right wing, through UNITED, star, and to rim.
*Reverse die crack through AMER.



1889
*Die chips in 88 of date
*Reverse die chip in G of GOD



1896 #1
I believe this to be VAM-1B, Pitted Reverse
*Reverse die crack from eagle's right wing, through UNITED, star, and ON of ONE.
*Rust spots by D and L of DOLLAR



1896 #2



1904 O
Exact match for VAM-11 photos
*Obverse - clearly doubled profile
*Obverse numerous die polish marks


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The 1884-O/O appears to be a VAM-13.
1896 #1 does appear to be a VAM-1B.
1904-O does appear to be a VAM-11.

I don't see any VAMs of consequence (none are worth a premium for the VAM), but the coins are nice. I like the 1896 #2 toning.

 

The first 1881-s is vam #22 http://www.vamworld.com/1881-S+VAM-22

 

Both of the 1883-0 are high 8, which is vam 18, but no images, so well have to either start with vam 9 or 10 . There's images there of the high 8 . Check to see if the mint-mark has something going on too ..

 

The 1884-O is vam 29A http://www.vamworld.com/1884-O VAM-29A

 

You were close on the 1884-O . It help me out a lot ...

 

The 1885 I think will be in the vam 9 area . Heres a real close match ( die crack in the date and etc. ) http://www.vamworld.com/1885-P+VAM-9B Could be a new vam for the vam #9 area

 

The first 1883-O is vam #11 http://www.vamworld.com/1883-O VAM-11

 

Also check vam 57, but I don't think so http://www.vamworld.com/1883-O+VAM-57

 

The second 1883-O need a better image of the clash on the reverse, I circled it

 

every Morgan and Peace Dollar is a VAM. the question is whether a particular coin is a VAM variety which commands a premium.

 

I am totally confused about VAMs...and the numbering system. Is a VAM-5,
DDO R-I-B in PLURIBUS for example, the same regardless of the coin's date and MM?

 

No.

 

Now I am totally, utterly confused...

 

Yes, VAM-29A it is. The VAM-13 listing didn't show any pictures of the obverse to compare to. That obverse is slightly different, apparently. The VAM-13 reverse is the same as the VAM-29 and VAM-29A reverse.

 

The VAM numbers simply number the significantly different die pairs for each date and mint mark in the order in which they were cataloged, just like the numbering scheme for almost all other coin series.

 

Its just later die state, so that is correct .....

 

Your 1889 I think is vam 27 http://www.vamworld.com/1889-P+VAM-27 I need more images to continue searching further ..

 

Why not check out the VAM website for reference?