First Post - VAM Question

hyf88 · July 15, 2006 6:02AM

Hello!

Long time lurker and first time poster to the boards. First off, a very big Thank You to all for the amazing information that is provided here. I can't tell you how many times I've been able to find detailed answers and pics that have helped me with the many questions I have had in this hobby and appreciate all who provide it. This site and its members are truly amazing.
I started collecting when I was given a 1900-O Morgan and 1888 Indian Head Cent by my dad many years ago and have been hooked ever since. Varieties are my current passion since finding a 1995-D doubled-die cent in pocket change a few years back, I also like the Liberty Seated dimes and quarters.
I picked up an 1880 VAM-1A Morgan dollar this morning at an antique show for $15 in a gentleman's bowl of silver dollars, the coin is in F-VF condition and appears to be a late die state with a big break at the 8 and I was hoping someone could help me out with some information about price and rarity. I have an old VAM book that says it is an R-5 but I was thinking that may have changed. I'll try to get a picture of it up soon. Thanks!

DNADave · July 15, 2006 6:17AM

You're on the right path it sounds like to me. Decided what you like, learning about them, and cherry picking a dealer.

Welcome

wam98 · July 15, 2006 6:42AM

Welcome, sounds like you have a Top 100 VAM. Congrats on finding an 1880 "Knobbed 8" VAM-1A. Price would be hard to say, but for $15 I'd say you got a heck of a deal.
.

DennisH · July 15, 2006 6:46AM

The going rate for a nice original VF is about $100.

Congratulations, and welcome to both the message boards and the wacky world of variety collecting!

tjkillian · July 15, 2006 7:02AM

Welcome!

Tom

MAD4MORGANS · July 15, 2006 7:03AM

<< <i>I picked up an 1880 VAM-1A Morgan dollar this morning at an antique show for $15...and appears to be a late die state with a big break at the 8 >>

SWEET!!

DorkGirl · July 15, 2006 7:21AM

You are a brave person to throw in your lot with the crazy VAMmers......

greghansen · July 15, 2006 7:36AM

This should help you get a better idea of the grade by comparison. The VAM1A is one that is worth more the larger the die break at the top of the 8 is. Hopefully you have a later die state with a nice big break, like the one imaged. It's a tough coin in any grade. Congratulations on your find!

CoinOnTheCob · July 15, 2006 7:51AM

MrSpud · July 15, 2006 7:58AM

coindeuce · July 15, 2006 3:09PM

and here's your first official "YOU SUCK"!

hyf88 · July 16, 2006 6:26AM

Thanks for the warm welcome and the great pictures from Greg. From the looks of that coin I think the one I have is more along the lines of F-12 maybe.

I've attached a scan of the front and back of the coin, opinions are welcome!

Reverse

Obverse

hyf88 · July 16, 2006 6:30AM

Whoops, here's a better link to the scans.

Obverse

Reverse

coindeuce · July 16, 2006 6:34AM

Great enlargements, but I will suggest that you photo the coin out of the 2 X 2 . The cellophane tends to distort the details of the devices.

messydesk · July 16, 2006 6:50AM

I wish I could find one of those in the wild! Nice find, and welcome to the forum. The Top 100 Attribution Wizard shows that coin in the $70-90 for a not-quite VF.