VAM?

coindaughter

Another dumb coindaughter question: I looked up VAM, but still not sure exactly what it is. Would 1878 Morgan 8 tail Feathers be a VAM? Or is that a variety? Or....?

Thanks for continuing the education of coindaughter.

(I'm sending in a bunch of Peace and Morgans for grading. Do I want the "VAM" on them??)

bennybravo

VAM refers to the Van-Allen-Mallis numbering system.Each VAM is a specific die variety.

coindaughter

Is it important for me to get my coins "VAMed" when I send them in?

Placid

If you have a vam that commands a premium then yes.
If not then no.
If you have no clue it's up to you.

coindaughter

I still have no clue...how do I suspect I might have a VAM that commands a premium?

Give me an example, please!!

bennybravo

What he said.PCGS does not recognize coins by VAM number on their inserts.They do however, recognize what are considered to be the major varieties.You can look at the Morgan registry at the with varieties set to see what they will attribute.Most of the other services will list the VAM numbers on their inserts.I believe ANACS will research by VAM for you for a small fee if you don't have the reference material to do so yourself.I'm not familiar with NGC submission forms.The "BIG" VAM book is about $50-$75, and there is also a smaller "TOP 100"book for about $40.

bennybravo

Here's something to read.

VAM DEFINED

ANOTHER

Placid

A 1880-O double die obverse would be a good example.
If your coins are still in the holders as sold by the dealer they will probably already be marked like
O/S.

If I remember right if you list the variety on the anacs submission form they charge like $1.00 to verify it.
If you want them to look for a possible variety it costs like $5-6.

coindaughter

By George, I think I've got it! Thanks for all of your help! I may as well try vamming a few just for kicks!



Thanks for the information. I tell ya, the more I know, the less I know!