So, I tried VAMming for the first time... (Possible R-6 VAM?)

I came home from school today knowing that I had some time to kill. I thought “Maybe I should VAM those two Morgans I have”. I looked at my 1888-S and it looked to be a VAM-9, nothing really special. Then I looked at my 1879-S and the first thing I saw was the high S. I looked on VAMworld for a description and I got matches. Using the two die chips on the wings and the position of LIBERTY, I have it narrowed to two VAMs - 29 and 99. According to VAMworld, both are R-6. I believe it is the 99 because the 29 has doubling in many areas on the obverse - which I don’t see on my coin.

So, assuming that this is a 99, is it worth anything being an R-6?

Calling in the VAM expert @Cascade to help me on this one.

 

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I forgot, here are some pics:

 

You may want to call in @messydesk as well. I can tell you the SSDC census only has 3 examples for VAM-99 so there may be some interest for this one.

 

If there's no doubling on the obverse, then it is VAM 99. Both 29 and 99 are tough and interesting varieties, although being low grade there probably isn't going to be much of a premium on yours. Double-check the letters in LIBERTY against die scratches shown for both in case the doubling is too worn to see.

Be aware that the rarity factors given are estimates at the time of discovery, with R-5 being the default estimate for current new discoveries. High R-numbers mean that the die probably didn't last much longer or that its more surprising the coin hasn't been seen already. I always tell people not to pay much attention to those.

 

The VAM 29 has obvious doubling which can probably be seen even in VG, which is where my coin grades. This coin has none of that. In addition, I believe I see the die polish marks next to Anna’s ear which are associated with VAM 99.

If I found out about this two years earlier, I would have had the discovery piece...

The great thing about VAMs is that more are discovered every year, and new VAMs constantly pop up.

Thanks for your input.

 

I'm a little late to the party but I third is a v99.