VAM book - An AWESOME purchase! Attention new collectors and those with small libraries...
Prethen
Posts: 3,452 ✭✭✭
Even if you not big on collecting dollars, read on...
I've been collecting coins for about 30 years now. I plan on dipping into dealing waters a bit within the next couple of months. I've heard so much about VAM-this and VAM-that that I wanted to learn a bit more. So, the obvious choice was to buy THE VAM book. I first queried you folks on this board and that cinched my decision. Now, forty-two and a half bucks later, and one brand new 4th edition VAM book, I am absolutely delighted.
No, I haven't read it cover-to-cover or even start identifying any of my Morgan or Peace dollars (which are all common, by the way). But, what blew me away is that the book holds what seems to be an untold secret. The first seven (7) chapters, over 130 pages, go over historical mint operations, die creation, striking of the coins, and much, much more. Other chapters go into grading, counterfeits, etc. And, of course, there's hundreds of pages and detailed pictures to identify virtually every major known Morgan/Peace dollar variety out there.
I cannot say enough about this book. My jaw literally just about hit the floor after I received it in the mail. I proudly put this book on the shelf next to my Breen books. If you even have the slightest intention of knowing a bit more about Morgan/Peace dollars or about coinage of the late 1800's or so, this book is a no-brainer purchase.
My personal opinion on books that are a must have in any numismatist's library (in order of which should be bought first when enough funds are present):
1. Current Red Book
2. ANA Photograde
3. PCGS Grading and Counterfeit detection (I really think this book is a must-have, and I have read this cover-to-cover)
4. Breen's Encyclopedia of Colonial and U.S. Coins
5. [If you like early proofs; this one is a must have] Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Proof Coins, 1722-1977 (the 1989 book is a rehash with errata listings)
6. [The VAM book] The Comprehensive Catalogue and Encyclopedia of U.S. Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars
I've been collecting coins for about 30 years now. I plan on dipping into dealing waters a bit within the next couple of months. I've heard so much about VAM-this and VAM-that that I wanted to learn a bit more. So, the obvious choice was to buy THE VAM book. I first queried you folks on this board and that cinched my decision. Now, forty-two and a half bucks later, and one brand new 4th edition VAM book, I am absolutely delighted.
No, I haven't read it cover-to-cover or even start identifying any of my Morgan or Peace dollars (which are all common, by the way). But, what blew me away is that the book holds what seems to be an untold secret. The first seven (7) chapters, over 130 pages, go over historical mint operations, die creation, striking of the coins, and much, much more. Other chapters go into grading, counterfeits, etc. And, of course, there's hundreds of pages and detailed pictures to identify virtually every major known Morgan/Peace dollar variety out there.
I cannot say enough about this book. My jaw literally just about hit the floor after I received it in the mail. I proudly put this book on the shelf next to my Breen books. If you even have the slightest intention of knowing a bit more about Morgan/Peace dollars or about coinage of the late 1800's or so, this book is a no-brainer purchase.
My personal opinion on books that are a must have in any numismatist's library (in order of which should be bought first when enough funds are present):
1. Current Red Book
2. ANA Photograde
3. PCGS Grading and Counterfeit detection (I really think this book is a must-have, and I have read this cover-to-cover)
4. Breen's Encyclopedia of Colonial and U.S. Coins
5. [If you like early proofs; this one is a must have] Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Proof Coins, 1722-1977 (the 1989 book is a rehash with errata listings)
6. [The VAM book] The Comprehensive Catalogue and Encyclopedia of U.S. Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars
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Comments
Okay, I realize that I wrote the above like I found religion...but no one cares to respond?
Semper ubi sub ubi
">"http://www.cashcrate.com/5663377"
Yes, this is quite a bit of good info in this book, even for non-VAMmers. Just remember that some of the VAM listings are out of date. Updates are available from Leroy Van Allen. Other works that supplement this book are the 8 TF Attribution Guide, 7/8 Tail Feather (B1 reverses) Attribution Guide, Hot 50 Attribution Guide and Fun in 1921. If you see any of these in your travels, you may wish to acquire these too.
Can you identify the VAMs in my SIG? A hint is the two outer images are Top 100 VAMs and the 3 inner images are Hot 50 VAMs.
Semper ubi sub ubi
and to plan a collection. I probably look something up every week, although I'm not particularly interested in the 1878 VAMs.
Now order the video by BOB Campbell on "Detecting altered toning" in Morgans, etc. from the ANA website--and you will know more than 75% of the current Morgan buyers, and make some good purchases.
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
MORE INFO AT VAMLINKS.COM
If I only had a dollar for every VAM I have...err...nevermind...I do!!
My "Fun With 21D" Die State Collection - QX5 Pics Attached
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Proud Owner of
2 –DAMMIT BOY!!! ® Awards
I also use the book often...and found out the hard way that one needs to be careful when trying to lay the pages flat.
Great book.
Herb
How to grade US coins by James Halperin
The John W. Highfill edition of The Comprehensive Encyclopedia of the U.S. Silver Dollar- large 1320 pages, but interesting info.
Morgan Silver Dollars by Q. David Bowers- excellent reading source. The price guide is a little outdated but interesting numbers.
<< <i>A couple of other Morgan books you may want to look into for research and a better understanding on coins.
How to grade US coins by James Halperin
The John W. Highfill edition of The Comprehensive Encyclopedia of the U.S. Silver Dollar- large 1320 pages, but interesting info.
Morgan Silver Dollars by Q. David Bowers- excellent reading source. The price guide is a little outdated but interesting numbers. >>
The Wayne Miller book is excellent also!
“It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.” Mark Twain
Newmismatist
<< <i>The Wayne Miller book is excellent also!
I keep trying to buy that book on eBay but always seem to get outbid. What's a fair price to give for that book in used condition?
Semper ubi sub ubi
Glad you like it. I've read it about 3 times.
Thanks a bunch everyone!!!!
Thanks
Adam Paul
TPN
******
I attributed all of the VAM's I could "positively" identify and wrote the attribution in red on 2X2's. I placed the "list price" (from Coin Values) on the holder and I have a separate area of my display just for VAM's for coin shows. Essentially, I price no premium into most of the VAM's except for a few that seem the most "interesting" or on a couple Top 100's I found. I look forward to obtaining my next little hoard of dollars so I can spend some late nights (ticking off my wife
I still haven't read all the chapters in that book yet, but I'll get to 'em soon. It's one of my most prized possessions in my coin library.