Need info.: 1899-O Micro-o VAM5

rhedden

Here's a photo of a Top-100 Morgan variety that is supposedly very scarce. It's an 1899-O dollar with the "micro-o" mintmark, and it's VAM 5 with the die polish lines in the eagle's wing.

VAM5 obverse photo1
VAM 5 obverse photo 2


What I need to know is

1) Is this variety really as rare as some claim it is? I know that the VAM4 and VAM6 "micro-o" dollars are very common, but have a lot of VAM5's turned up in recent years?
2) Does anyone actually pay a premium for Top-100 varieties these days, or does everyone just try to cherry-pick them?
3) What is a realistic asking price for this item if I'm thinking of selling it?

razorface1027

I had a couple of them. Your best bet would be to send them to NGC or PCGS for grading. If you put it up raw, and by what I can see by the pics, you might be looking at XF 40/45 which could fetch $150. Getting it slabbed is your best bet. As far as scarcity, I'm not to sure on the dergree.

Wolf359

VAM-5 known slabbed population is 94 coins as of about 6 months ago. Not as rare as the hype. Small premium of 20% or so over other 99-O Micro's. Recently discovered VAM-32, with a low population of 10 coins may become more interesting.

I agree with razorface, a PCGS holder brings excellent money on eBay.