Is this a scratch or something with the die on the front right field of this 1902-S Morgan? Why did this one get marked as scratched by anacs? Is this a VAM?
1. If you're talking about that little crater just to the left of the "M", that's a so-called "bag mark" -- named after what coins like to do to each other while smashed into a bag. Note the little pointed parts that correspond to the reeded edge of another coin.
2. Due to the numerous scratches. Hard to pick just one from the photo, but just above the date looks like a staple scratch.
3. Hopefully, and a good one at that! The condition of the coin doesn't look like it really warranted certification otherwise. But I'm clueless on VAMs.
Agree with Supercoin that the scratch that tells is below the neck. This coin has its share of bag marks and rim tracks. I don't really collect Morgan var but the 1902-S has its share. This looks like the small s alleged according to Breen to be from the quarter-dollar punch. If so it is a rare var. There are lots of Morgan experts on the forum who should be able to help further.
The image is too dark for me to answer 1 and 2, but I can answer 3.
All Morgan dollars are a VAM of some sort. Please remember VAM numbers are assigned to EVERY attributed Morgan dollar, much as "Overton" numbers are assigned to early halfs, I imagine your real question is if it is a VAM worthy of a premium (such as one of the Top 100 varieties, or the Hot 50 varieties).
Unless there has been a recent discovery, there are no '02-S varieties considered significant. The small round"S" is a mintmark that has been attributed on the '03 and a "micro" S on the '21; I am not aware of the small "S" on the '02. The mintmark on this coin looks to be the V (#5) large S type normally found on 1899 - 1904 dollars, with the exception of the varieties I've mentioned.
Should you find that it IS different, please let us/me know.
Well my father told me my grandfather did pick these morgans up quite cheaply in the 60's. I am still hoping to find something interesting and definitely learning alot.
I also agree with Supercoin. The scratches are most likely from being stored and moved in canvas bags that the banks would hold these coins in. Here`s a link about VAM`s with links to the " Top 100 VAM`s " and " Hot 50 Vam`s " .VAM
mids1999
Posts: 159
Comments
2. Due to the numerous scratches.
3. Hopefully, and a good one at that! The condition of the coin doesn't look like it really warranted certification otherwise. But I'm clueless on VAMs.
I don't really collect Morgan var but the 1902-S has its share. This looks like the small s alleged according to Breen to be from the quarter-dollar punch. If so it is a rare var. There are lots of Morgan experts on the forum who should be able to help further.
All Morgan dollars are a VAM of some sort. Please remember VAM numbers are assigned to EVERY attributed Morgan dollar, much as "Overton" numbers are assigned to early halfs, I imagine your real question is if it is a VAM worthy of a premium (such as one of the Top 100 varieties, or the Hot 50 varieties).
Unless there has been a recent discovery, there are no '02-S varieties considered significant. The small round"S" is a mintmark that has been attributed on the '03 and a "micro" S on the '21; I am not aware of the small "S" on the '02. The mintmark on this coin looks to be the V (#5) large S type normally found on 1899 - 1904 dollars, with the exception of the varieties I've mentioned.
Should you find that it IS different, please let us/me know.
<< <i>The neck scrtch doesn't bother me as much as the one coming down from the eyeball. >>
Same here.
mids1999 you must hold some kind of record for coins with scratches
I am still hoping to find something interesting and definitely learning alot.
Thanks to everyone on the board
Mike
www.vamlink.com
MY COINS FOR SALE AT https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/other/bajjerfans-coins-sale/3876
Mike