Newp: Cherrypicked Morgan VAM, About to be Pop 1/1 1880 VAM 25 - RESULT POSTED 7/12

ProofCollection

Just picked this one up. I spied in the crappy photos on the dealer's website the die chip in the eagle's wings indicative of VAM 25 (Hit List 40). It is not attributed on the holder but I'm pretty sure that is what it is. I was surprised to see that there is no PCGS Pop for VAM 25's at all, so this will be the only one once I get it attributed. I'm not sure this one is terribly valuable but it can't hurt being the only one, and PL to boot. PCGS Coin Number 41056, 41057.
While the grade is 62PL, I don't think it PCGS would give it PL if resubmitted today, although I think this would have a chance at MS 63 as it is in pretty good shape for a 62. NGC would probably give is 63PL though as they are a little looser. Later this month I will submit this for attribution and Trueview- I will update the post then, I don't think I will bother with a regrade.

ricko

@ProofCollection... Good luck with the attribution, let us know how it goes. Cheers, RickO

ProofCollection

So interesting, I just noticed in Coinfacts there are two VAM 25's listed. I think they are the same though...
PCGS Coin Number 41056, 41057 (MS and PL), with no population
PCGS Coin Number 412595, 412596 (MS and PL), with no PL population, 2 in DMPL, and plenty in MS.
Still a great find to be the first PL example.

coinbuf

I personally think you will lose more than you will gain by trading the old holder for a shinny new holder with the VAM on the label, but good luck with your submission.

ProofCollection

@coinbuf said:
I personally think you will lose more than you will gain by trading the old holder for a shinny new holder with the VAM on the label, but good luck with your submission.

Normally I would agree but this case there are a few factors: a) this is a Top 40 VAM b) This would be one of only 3 in PL/DMPL c) Being a Top 40 VAM, the official attribution will allow auction houses to promote it properly and for it to show up in searches if/when I sell it.
The PCGS fee is maybe $17 + $10 so not a lot if submitted with other coins. I'm not sure this coin carries a significant OGH premium.

coinbuf

The questions are will the VAM trump the OGH, and how many collectors today are collecting by VAM. VAM's mean nothing to me so I don't know the answers to those questions, but my gut tells me that at best it will be a wash after all is said and done.

It is somewhat sad to see another old holder bite the dust, but I'm consoled by the knowledge that with the passing of another OGH, each one those old holders in my collection get a bit more valuable.

RobertScotLover

Why don't you just apply your own white sticker calling out the VAM #, anyone with a brain will believe you because they can go to VAM World and verify it for themselves. Case closed.

gumby1234

@ProofCollection The Hit list 40 are NOT top 40 VAM's they aren't even in the top 100 VAM's.

gumby1234

There are the Top 100, followed by the Hot 50 followed by the Hit List 40. Interest in most VAM's outside of the top 150 is very little. Save your money and keep it in the holder its in. If you want something on the slab send @messydesk and get his sticker with close up of VAM pictured.

alefzero

I discovered that one as a VAM-1E and proved to Leroy it was the same as the VAM-25. The discovery coin was a 65DMPL. I do forget the details at this point, but I seem to recall the prooflikes were VAM-25A, with a partial clashed u (from trust) in the hair vee channel. You should check for that detail. PCGS probably calls both 25 and 25A just 25 still anyway.

ProofCollection

@ricko said:
@ProofCollection... Good luck with the attribution, let us know how it goes. Cheers, RickO

The results are in... VAM 25:

Pop 1 in PL. Although I do admit it is a weak PL.
There are only 2 DMPL.

So does anyone here know if this should qualify under the 1880 8/7 slot of the PCGS Morgan registry set?

Coinfacts is confusing, but I believe the registry set 8/7 slot refers to coin 7099 (80/79) of which one would reasonably conclude that the 0/9 qualifies even it if is not 8/7 it is still the other half of 80/79.

gumby1234

I still think you lost value when you changed slabs. Outside the Top 150 VAM's there is probably not much if any premium. I don't think an 0/9 qualifies for and 8/7 slot but who knows.

steve76020

there are definitely those of us who collect vams for the sakeof the vam . i havea 1923d vam 3 peace doller (die crack hairline to throat) and i am very proud of this otherwise common coin i purchased on ebay.