VAM not attributed on holder. Should I submit it?

Quake17

I apologize in advance for no pics but I'd rather not post a lousy phone effort.

I've been intrigued this year with the GSA Carson City dollars and particularly the 1880-CC. I read recently that all of these may be a VAM! Anyway, this Summer I came across a really nice '80-CC in the GSA holder, NGC graded it as 64 Star and a CAC as well. It really caught my eye as it has really colorful crescent toning on the obverse, probably why it garnered the star. As I became more familiar with the VAMs, I picked up another '80-CC in the GSA holder with an NGC 64 grade but no VAM attributed. It was represented as a VAM 5, the High 7 under the second 8. The pics were pretty good and the obverse and reverse markers were both clearly present. I figured I'd send it in at some point to NGC to have the VAM added.

This morning I was looking at the coins and the first coin has a lot of purple color around the date and I noticed under a loupe that there was a mark under the second eight in the upper loop. I realized it was the top of the seven and the tail continues in the lower loop of the eight. The purple color really covers it up until you look at it upside down. I flipped it over and the die gouge between the arrow feather and the olive branch is there too. Easy to compare when you have another VAM 5 beside it.

So, very cool to have two Vam 5's. My question for the experienced in these matters is should I send them both in to have the VAM attributed? I assume I'd have to contact CAC as well to coordinate? One interesting fact is there are zero 64 Star graded VAM 5's from the GSA hoard. There are a few VAM 6's with a 64 Star.

I'm not looking to sell and am in no hurry but am mostly curious as to the "need" to have the VAM on the label?

Thanks in advance for your opinions!

DennisH

Value-wise it actually doesn't make much difference. As a VAM, 5 is common. 1880-CCs in GSA holders are readily available. GSA collectors who care about VAMs are scarce. By the time you pay postage to and from NGC, plus the attribution fee, plus postage to and from CAC,... well, I think it's a losing proposition.

messydesk

There are alternatives to sending graded coins back to the TPG to have the VAM number added, especially if they are minor VAMs.

291fifth

Save your money. Unless there is a significant potential payoff from such a move it does not make sense.

ifthevamzarockin

No need to have the VAM on the label, save your time & money.

OKbustchaser

Although I am not a "Vammer" I do collect capped bust halves by Overton number. I have learned over the years that there is no reason to have the O# on the slab. Anyone willing to pay a premium for a rare die marriage will already recognize it without the label attribution while non Overton collectors don't care what the die marriage is.

I suspect it is pretty much the same for Vammers.

gradeacoins

I would say no need, but an alternative is Varslab if you really want it authenticated and don't want to cross with our forum host. They accurately provide verification of VAMs and most collectors seem comfortable relying upon them. Saves reslabbing/CAC

I'm not affiliated with them and haven't used their service myself but have owned a number of coins they verified and seen many out there as well. All were accurately attributed

amwldcoin

All Morgan Dollars are Vams!

Quake17

Thank you everyone for your sage advice! Being new to the VAM experience this has been invaluable.

messydesk

@gradeacoins said:
I would say no need, but an alternative is Varslab if you really want it authenticated and don't want to cross with our forum host. They accurately provide verification of VAMs and most collectors seem comfortable relying upon them. Saves reslabbing/CAC

I'm not affiliated with them and haven't used their service myself but have owned a number of coins they verified and seen many out there as well. All were accurately attributed

I am. Contact me by PM if you have any questions.