An ultra-rare VAM, especially in Mint State

DennisH

Sorry about the blurry scans but they're 15x. Just back from NGC (going to PCGS soon) and the only Mint State example they've ever handled. Total Mint State certified population according to Michael Fey is 3... but I have two coins he doesn't know about yet.

What date, mint mark and VAM is it?

jdsinva

It's an 1880-O, has the hangnail reverse and the over date obverse. Don't recall the VAM right off the top of my head but I know it's a tough VAM!

Jeff

Wolf359

I agree, it's VAM-1A, hangnail reverse. Also a Top 100 coin. I didn't realize that coin was so tough in BU!

Edited to add: Whoops. Make that 6B!

DennisH

Jack:

It's VAM 1A if it has ONLY the hangnail.
It's VAM 6A if it has ONLY the 'ear' on the second 8.
With both the ear and the hangnail it's VAM 6B.

VAM 1A is semi-scarce. VAM 6A is maybe a bit easier. VAM 6B is, as Fey writes, "ultra-rare in all grades."

Agflyer

Congratulations on a rare variety! You must have an incredible collection. Thanks for sharing. By the way, what does this one grade?

DennisH

Rick:

This one is MS61 NGC.

jdsinva

<< <i>Jack:

It's VAM 1A if it has ONLY the hangnail.
It's VAM 6A if it has ONLY the 'ear' on the second 8.
With both the ear and the hangnail it's VAM 6B.

VAM 1A is semi-scarce. VAM 6A is maybe a bit easier. VAM 6B is, as Fey writes, "ultra-rare in all grades." >>



That's the v6B? I didn't know that. . .that's a very good piece of information to know! I was down at the local coin shop before Christmas when another VAMmer asked me about this NGC63 v6A the shop had. He was showing me in his Top 100 Guide that it was v6A and wanted to know what the v6B was and I didn't know. Come to think of it, I better double check my hangnails to make sure they aren't one of these.

Thanks for sharing and all the good info. There is still so much to learn!

Jeff