I know this is kinda dumb but im just learning but what does VAM and DMPL(i know this is dimple) mean on a morgan dollar?
VAM - varieties and various die pairings of Morgan and Peace Dollars as listed by Van Allen and Mallis in their reference books. DMPL - Deep Mirro Proof-Like
VAM is an acronym for the last names of the co-authors who wrote the book on Morgan and Peace dollar varieties, Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis. When the last edition of their book was published in 1992, there were about 1800 varieties. Today, Mr. Mallis is no longer with us, but Mr. Van Allen is still attributing new discoveries, and there are more than 4000 (getting close to 5000) listings. DMPL is an acronym which stands for Deep Mirror Proof Like. Both, PCGS & ANACS (there may be others) use this acronym, and NGC uses DPL which means the same thing. Chris
The standards of reflectivity for DMPL vary slightly between the top tier grading services, but it is usually 6"-8". As I said, Mr. Van Allen attibutes all Morgan & Peace dollar varieties. The grading services merely use his reference work to verify the correct assignment when it is requested by a submitter. Neither PCGS nor NGC will designate all VAM's on their inserts, but ANACS does. Chris
for VAMs you don't have to get them graded. they are or they aren't in or out of a slab but you have to get a reference book to know what's what and what to look for. DMPL is in the eye of the beholder, most would be easier to get top dollar for in a slab from a top grader.
The more coins you look at you will be able to realize whats a DMPL coin or a PL(proof like) coin. The DMPL morgans can be truely breath taking with clean fields and/or a frosty cameo! Keep looking & researching. It takes time to learn all the VAM's. There is a website call "VAMS world" with lots of VAMS by year & mint mark.
