FS : Certified VAMs -- Available Here Before I put on eBay (UPDATED)
Coxe
Posts: 11,139 ✭
Giving the Forum community a shot at making offers on these nice VAMs before I list them at eBay. Below are the tentative descriptions I would auction them with. THe reserve language obviously doesn't apply here. A reasonable offer certainly will be considered. I can go a little lower selling on BST, obviously, since I don't have listing, final value and possibly PayPal fees to burden the sale. I might be adding more and will update this post if I do. I'll probably list them at eBay tomorrow (THU 7/5) if they don't sell here. Images are certainly available upon request. (The camera battery is recharging right now.) I can go very low margins for no-nonsense collectors.
I also have a complete 1965 through 1967 certified (all NGC except one PCGS) cameo SMS set offered in another post.
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1887 VAM-12A NGC MS64 Top-100 Toned Alligator Eye $1
The VAM-12 “Alligator Eye” is hardly the most difficult variety to locate in the Top-100. In fact, it is perhaps the easiest to find in most grades of all of those varieties. The name for the variety goes back a long way and is characterized by a bold doubling of the front of Liberty’s eye. The VAM-12A is a little more difficult, noted as a later clashed variety with the last “t” of “trust” transferring to the obverse die in the field below the hair vee, between the first two right stars.
This offering is the VAM-12A, graded MS64 by NGC. The obverse is toned with a mottled gunmetal blue and burnt orange coloration, difficult to capture in an image. Marks are consistent with the grade: ticks in the left obverse field and a scratch above the 7 of the date.
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1921-D VAM-3A NGC MS61 I-4 R-7 5-Star Morgan Dollar
The impressive break between the wing tip and the first S of STATES and a dot punched at the base of that wing define this variety. It is among the most popular of all the 1921-D VAMs. It is difficult to find in uncirculated condition. To date, PCGS has only certified 16 and ANACS 13 mint state examples of this popular coin.
This specimen is a white coin with some faint toning and graded MS61 by NGC. The VAMView price guide lists this coin at $350, which I believe is a bit too high despite its popularity and the assignment of an R-7 rarity rating. Nonetheless, these are now very difficult to find. Most I have seen grade VF to AU and a lot have been dipped. This is a good opportunity to pick up a certified mint state example.
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1904-O VAM-33A ANACS MS62 R-6 Clashed Morgan Dollar
VAM-28B was changed by Leroy Van Allen to VAM-33 over a year ago when the DDR die was determined to be distinct from that of VAM-28. Rarer yet is the VAM-33A, which not only features an impressively large clash of “In” from the reverse motto onto the obverse die but also has some noteworthy counterclashing present by Liberty’s lips and near the base of the bonnet.
To date, ANACS has only attributed three VAM-33A specimens: an AU, this MS62, and one MS63. VAMView has not priced this variety yet. I will set a very modest reserve on this lot, below even the VAM-33 market price.
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1882-O VAM-29A ANACS AU50 Super Clashed GTO Morgan $1
This is a great coin. In Mark Kimpton’s Elite Clashed Morgan Dollars book (published in 2005), he stated that this is considered a rare variety and that the obvious die wear on the four known examples at the time signaled a likely very short usage of those dies. The hunt has only produced 13 examples in the ANACS population report. I have one more in a PCGS slab, but they don’t designate this variety yet.
VAMView sets a value of $500 for this in MS60. Due to the apparent rarity of the variety, the valuation has great potential for growth. Only a single example has ever been sold of the VAM-29A. It was a raw AU that I sold on eBay. Apparently, the VAM hunters missed it, because it went for WAY below fair market value, far below my own cost. For that reason, I must set a reserve on this lot. It is definitely not an easily replaced coin.
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1900-O VAM-23C ANACS MS62 R-6 Morgan Dollar
Nice, brilliant and lustrous, pure white example of this R-6 rarity. ANACS has certified 5 examples of this ATES break VAM. Modest reserve set below my cost basis.
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1899-O VAM-31 NGC XF45 Top-100 Micro O Morgan $1
Stately representative of this Top-100 variety. Just short of AU, this is graded XF45 and is attributed per the variety by NGC. Lightly toned periphery. Reserve is set at my cost.
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1878 7/8 TF VAM-33A NGC MS65 Clashed Gem Morgan $1
Dual-hubbed reverse, 7/8 TF, Morgans are always a treat to locate in MS65. This variety is a very curious one. The reverse die is the same one used to produce the VAM-44, the King of the Morgan VAMs. The VAM-44 clashed, producing the VAM-44A, and then was repolished when paired with a new obverse to strike the VAM-33. At another point, the dies again clashed, transferring an “n” from “In” of the reverse motto to the obverse die. However, no examples have ever been located to my knowledge that exhibit the attendant clashing on the reverse die. It looks like the same polished VAM-33, post VAM-44 state. A possibility is that the obverse die attributed to VAM-33 is actually two slightly different obverse dies.
NGC and PCGS attribute both VAM-33 and VAM-33A presently as VAM-33. ANACS does specifically attribute the VAM-33A and has done so for only five coins, the highest grading MS64. Of the VAM-33 designations at NGC, there are only 9 graded MS65 with a single MS66 higher. PCGS has three MS65 with just three MS66 and none higher.
VAMView lists the VAM-33A at $2,600 in MS65 and $8,500 in MS66. The last high grade VAM-33 sold, which I believe was a VAM-33A, was a PCGS MS66 that went for $6,325 last Spring in Heritage’s Dallas sale. I am setting a reserve well below the market value of this coin.
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1878 7/8 TF VAM-42A NGC MS62 R-6 Morgan Dollar
Well-clashed Strong 7/8 TF 1878 Morgan variety. Attributed as VAM-42 by NGC, as they do not make the distinction between the normal and the R-6 rarity clashed varieties in their attributions yet. The only service that does do that is ANACS, where there are 5 in MS62 and only one higher in MS63. There is one PCGS MS63 VAM-42A attributed as VAM-42 too.
The coin itself is a good representative of this variety. The grade appears to be correct and consistent with the number of bagmarks in the obverse prime focal areas, notably Liberty’s cheek. Completely untoned white specimen with original Mint luster and well struck.
VAMView lists this at $400 in MS62. I believe that is about 30% too high. I will set a reserve well below that.
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*SOLD* (Sorry...first profit side offer got it.)
1878 8TF VAM-14.4A PCGS MS62 Hot-50 Concave Reverse Morgan $1
Now, this is a very special coin. VAM-14.4 is the only VAM, not just among the 8 tail feather varieties but over the entire Morgan series, to exhibit this peculiar ultra prooflike type reverse. The die was used nowhere else nor was a similar one ever employed. That is intriguing enough. VAM-14.4A is a clashed stage of this die pair, using the obverse die from the VAM-2A, showing a transferred “In” and final “t” of “trust” in the fields of the obverse.
If that wasn’t enough, no VAM-14.4A apparently has been ever sold in Heritage auctions. Two VAM-14.4 examples have: a PCGS MS65 last year at Long Beach for $2,185 and an NGC MS64 three years ago in Pittsburgh for $833.75. Teletrade has only sold a single VAM-14.4 (ANACS MS62 for an insanely low $275) in that past 15 years and it was not a clashed VAM-14.4A. VAM collectors who get one of these, don’t easily let go of them. That makes even a regular VAM-14.4 a difficult component of a Hot-50 or 1878 8TF VAM Morgan set.
VAMView sets the current value of this coin at $470 in MS62. However, since this is a PCGS graded coin (see VAMView’s note on that), my own cost basis, and the fact that this is not one easily replaced in my inventory, I am setting a reserve very slightly above that. A serious VAM collector will understand the opportunity of this offering and future potential of the variety.
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1878 7TF Rev 78 VAM-114A NGC MS64 Morgan Dollar
The VAM-114 is hardly an uncommon variety among the 7 tail feather 1878-dated Morgans. Collectors with even a handful of the date usually have at least one. The clashed subvariety, VAM-114A, is only slightly less common despite the official R-5 rarity designation. This is what it is, a really nice example of the type and date in near gem with the added interesting features of some really neat clashes.
The coin offered here is a select one. It falls short of full gem due to marks on the cheek and a couple above trust on the reverse. The obverse is brilliant white with only the faintest hint of toning at the denticles. The reverse is framed in a tasteful light sepia toning.
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1878 8TF VAM-14.1A PCGS AU55 Toned Morgan Dollar
Deeply toned on both sides, mostly golden orange with strong infusion of electric blues on the peripheries. VAM-14.1 is one of the most common 8TF varieties. This clashed subvariety, VAM-14.1A, is slightly less common. This coin is only very slightly circulated, with the wear consistent with the PCGS assigned grade almost completely lost in the toning. This is a very attractively 8TF example that just has that look one would like to see in a nearly 130 year old silver dollar.
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1884-O/O VAM-10 Hot-50 NGC MS64 Morgan Dollar
One of the easier Hot-50 VAMs to locate, this is an interesting coin. The mint mark was doubled but was originally thought by many to be an O/CC.
This particular coin is a nice example. It is fully struck with a toned obverse and lustrous white reverse. It is properly graded with minimal marks that are not distracting. An attractive coin.
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1892-O VAM-5 (was VAM-7) Doubled Ear ANACS XF40 Top-100 $1
Many VAM collectors didn’t notice that Leroy Van Allen combined VAM-5 and VAM-7 into VAM-5 last year. The Top-100 coin is now officially designated as VAM-5.
This coin offered here is a nice XF representative of the variety. Even wear, consistent with the assigned grade, nice look, clearly doubled ear. It is in an affordable grade, listed at $70 in VAMView.
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1888 VAM-16A NGC MS66 Hot-50 DDR/Obv Gouge $1
Tied for Finest Graded
This was originally designated as VAM-26 but was changed last year to VAM-16A when it was noted that the dies were the same as VAM-16 but with a large gouge through the right cotton boll.
NGC has only certified 8 total VAM-16, which includes both VAM-16 and VAM-16A. There are only two at the MS66 level and none finer. This is one of those two, the other being the one in my set (both VAM-16A). ANACS has graded only a single VAM-16A in MS65 and none higher. PCGS does not attribute the variety.
I have seen no recorded sales of this variety and this is indeed tied with only one other as the finest certified, making this an important sale. Accordingly to VAMView, no regular VAM-16 were sold since January 2006 (an ANACS MS64 and an ANACS MS63), a year and a half ago, and went for about double greysheet for the stated grades.
A reserve is being set on this lot as it is a singular opportunity on an important coin. It is at a definite premium to the greysheet for the date but still low for the VAM.
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1897 VAM-6A ANACS MS64 Top-100 Morgan Dollar
Excellent strike, lustrous, and very nicely, originally toned (rose and purple) peripheries on both sides. Marks are minimal and consistent with the grade. Valuation ($200 in VAMView) does not suggest the expense of crossover to PCGS or NGC is worthwhile.
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1885-CC VAM-4 PCGS MS65 Hot-50 Morgan Dollar
Absolutely breathtaking in cartwheel luster and with a superb strike, this full gem PCGS 1885-CC is a terrific coin. The population for this is 18 with only 10 finer, all MS66. Now that spells O-P-P-O-R-T-U-N-I-T-Y. The date is already a highly coveted one in general for Morgan collectors. To have one of the top couple dozen of the Hot-50 VAM for that variety in a PCGS holder is something worth serious consideration.
I am setting a reserve that is below the recent sales of this variety.
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* SOLD *
1934-D VAM-3 ANACS MS63 DDO Peace Dollar
I had this ready to go out to PCGS. However, I needed to fill out a bulk submission to ANACS and just included it in that one instead. A very nice white, with some incidental toning, example of this variety that displays dramatic doubling in Liberty’s tiara as well as the left motto.
A precautionary low reserve is set. It should sell just fine but will be sent to PCGS if not. If you want a nice example of this VAM, here is a good opportunity.
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1890 VAM-15A ANACS AU55 Details R-6 Morgan Dollar
A very sought after rarity, this is affordable to more people because it has been graded with altered surfaces. Both sides were buffed and the surfaces appear, under magnification, to have parallel wipe lines from that buffing. The details are completely undisturbed. As you can see in the VAMView prices, it would otherwise be a $350 coin. Is it worth $250, the range for VF to XF? I’ll let the market decide. My reserve is FAR below both of those numbers.
The variety itself is characterized primarily by large gouges from the wreath to the E, D and first L of ONE DOLLAR. The bottom outside of Liberty’s ear is also tripled. This is a difficult variety to find, as the rarity rating indicates. This would make an excellent addition to a set that could not afford quite a bit more for a problem-free specimen. It also is a good study piece to aid the VAM hunter in locating another.
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1904-O VAM-22A PCGS MS63 OGH Denticle Impressions $1
Sought after 1904-O variety that features a denticle clearly in the field below the eagle’s wing. Liberty’s profile is also distinctly doubled.
VAMView values this at $250 in MS63. This is in an older PCGS holder, though I feel the grade is correct and wouldn’t upgrade to MS64. Pure white, lustrous, with an average strike for the date. Previous die clashing is evident on the reverse.
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1896-O VAM-18A NGC AU50 G,t Clashes Morgan Dollar
When I discussed this with Dr. Mark Kimpton, the variety’s discoverer and clashed die author/expert, a year ago, he confirmed that he had only known of 5 other examples of this rare variety and that I had the finest two known, the AU58 in my set and this AU50.
Offered here is a specimen graded AU50 by NGC. It features the elusive G clash, a result of the dies being rotated when they clashed. The t (last letter in trust) clash is quite bold, unlike the one on the lower grade and weaker struck coin sent as the discovery.
I am setting a very low reserve on this lot and hope it can find a home in the collection of a fellow clashed Morgan enthusiast. This variety has never been offered for public sale before and has the potential, when better known, to be regarded as an important rarity.
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1887/1887 VAM-5 NGC MS64 Top-100 Morgan Dollar
Little known late die state of this Top-100 overdate variety. I sent this coin to Leroy Van Allen to get a VAM-5A designation for the clashes. It was denied because the transfers to the obverse were to a heavily eroded die that precluded easy identification and even photographing. The fact that the dies had been used so heavily explains why this remains one of the more common of the Top-100 varieties. Low reserve set to cover my costs.
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1887 VAM-3A LDS NGC MS63 TONED MISTY Morgan Dollar
Extraordinary Original toning on the obverse are a huge plus to this popular Super Clashed Die VAM. Central are vibrant golds. A patch of rose is by the date and the very sought after green toning dominates the outer radial third of the obverse.
The VAM-3A, nicknamed MISTY, is a very poignant variety to the specialty of clashed dies as it is the variety that, in 2003, first was shown to exhibit a transfer of the last t of trust to the obverse field in the hair vee (above the first two right stars). This clash occurred twice. The latter is this coin, the late die state (LDS), which shows the t clash doubled. The earlier, single clash state is the rarer of the two however.
VAMView lists this at $160 in MS63. The exceptional toning should warrant multiples of that itself. In fact, I paid a heavy premium for the toning myself. I set a reserve that covers my cost for this very difficult to replace specimen but well below what I believe is the fair market value for it.
I also have a complete 1965 through 1967 certified (all NGC except one PCGS) cameo SMS set offered in another post.
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1887 VAM-12A NGC MS64 Top-100 Toned Alligator Eye $1
The VAM-12 “Alligator Eye” is hardly the most difficult variety to locate in the Top-100. In fact, it is perhaps the easiest to find in most grades of all of those varieties. The name for the variety goes back a long way and is characterized by a bold doubling of the front of Liberty’s eye. The VAM-12A is a little more difficult, noted as a later clashed variety with the last “t” of “trust” transferring to the obverse die in the field below the hair vee, between the first two right stars.
This offering is the VAM-12A, graded MS64 by NGC. The obverse is toned with a mottled gunmetal blue and burnt orange coloration, difficult to capture in an image. Marks are consistent with the grade: ticks in the left obverse field and a scratch above the 7 of the date.
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1921-D VAM-3A NGC MS61 I-4 R-7 5-Star Morgan Dollar
The impressive break between the wing tip and the first S of STATES and a dot punched at the base of that wing define this variety. It is among the most popular of all the 1921-D VAMs. It is difficult to find in uncirculated condition. To date, PCGS has only certified 16 and ANACS 13 mint state examples of this popular coin.
This specimen is a white coin with some faint toning and graded MS61 by NGC. The VAMView price guide lists this coin at $350, which I believe is a bit too high despite its popularity and the assignment of an R-7 rarity rating. Nonetheless, these are now very difficult to find. Most I have seen grade VF to AU and a lot have been dipped. This is a good opportunity to pick up a certified mint state example.
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1904-O VAM-33A ANACS MS62 R-6 Clashed Morgan Dollar
VAM-28B was changed by Leroy Van Allen to VAM-33 over a year ago when the DDR die was determined to be distinct from that of VAM-28. Rarer yet is the VAM-33A, which not only features an impressively large clash of “In” from the reverse motto onto the obverse die but also has some noteworthy counterclashing present by Liberty’s lips and near the base of the bonnet.
To date, ANACS has only attributed three VAM-33A specimens: an AU, this MS62, and one MS63. VAMView has not priced this variety yet. I will set a very modest reserve on this lot, below even the VAM-33 market price.
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1882-O VAM-29A ANACS AU50 Super Clashed GTO Morgan $1
This is a great coin. In Mark Kimpton’s Elite Clashed Morgan Dollars book (published in 2005), he stated that this is considered a rare variety and that the obvious die wear on the four known examples at the time signaled a likely very short usage of those dies. The hunt has only produced 13 examples in the ANACS population report. I have one more in a PCGS slab, but they don’t designate this variety yet.
VAMView sets a value of $500 for this in MS60. Due to the apparent rarity of the variety, the valuation has great potential for growth. Only a single example has ever been sold of the VAM-29A. It was a raw AU that I sold on eBay. Apparently, the VAM hunters missed it, because it went for WAY below fair market value, far below my own cost. For that reason, I must set a reserve on this lot. It is definitely not an easily replaced coin.
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1900-O VAM-23C ANACS MS62 R-6 Morgan Dollar
Nice, brilliant and lustrous, pure white example of this R-6 rarity. ANACS has certified 5 examples of this ATES break VAM. Modest reserve set below my cost basis.
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1899-O VAM-31 NGC XF45 Top-100 Micro O Morgan $1
Stately representative of this Top-100 variety. Just short of AU, this is graded XF45 and is attributed per the variety by NGC. Lightly toned periphery. Reserve is set at my cost.
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1878 7/8 TF VAM-33A NGC MS65 Clashed Gem Morgan $1
Dual-hubbed reverse, 7/8 TF, Morgans are always a treat to locate in MS65. This variety is a very curious one. The reverse die is the same one used to produce the VAM-44, the King of the Morgan VAMs. The VAM-44 clashed, producing the VAM-44A, and then was repolished when paired with a new obverse to strike the VAM-33. At another point, the dies again clashed, transferring an “n” from “In” of the reverse motto to the obverse die. However, no examples have ever been located to my knowledge that exhibit the attendant clashing on the reverse die. It looks like the same polished VAM-33, post VAM-44 state. A possibility is that the obverse die attributed to VAM-33 is actually two slightly different obverse dies.
NGC and PCGS attribute both VAM-33 and VAM-33A presently as VAM-33. ANACS does specifically attribute the VAM-33A and has done so for only five coins, the highest grading MS64. Of the VAM-33 designations at NGC, there are only 9 graded MS65 with a single MS66 higher. PCGS has three MS65 with just three MS66 and none higher.
VAMView lists the VAM-33A at $2,600 in MS65 and $8,500 in MS66. The last high grade VAM-33 sold, which I believe was a VAM-33A, was a PCGS MS66 that went for $6,325 last Spring in Heritage’s Dallas sale. I am setting a reserve well below the market value of this coin.
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1878 7/8 TF VAM-42A NGC MS62 R-6 Morgan Dollar
Well-clashed Strong 7/8 TF 1878 Morgan variety. Attributed as VAM-42 by NGC, as they do not make the distinction between the normal and the R-6 rarity clashed varieties in their attributions yet. The only service that does do that is ANACS, where there are 5 in MS62 and only one higher in MS63. There is one PCGS MS63 VAM-42A attributed as VAM-42 too.
The coin itself is a good representative of this variety. The grade appears to be correct and consistent with the number of bagmarks in the obverse prime focal areas, notably Liberty’s cheek. Completely untoned white specimen with original Mint luster and well struck.
VAMView lists this at $400 in MS62. I believe that is about 30% too high. I will set a reserve well below that.
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*SOLD* (Sorry...first profit side offer got it.)
1878 8TF VAM-14.4A PCGS MS62 Hot-50 Concave Reverse Morgan $1
Now, this is a very special coin. VAM-14.4 is the only VAM, not just among the 8 tail feather varieties but over the entire Morgan series, to exhibit this peculiar ultra prooflike type reverse. The die was used nowhere else nor was a similar one ever employed. That is intriguing enough. VAM-14.4A is a clashed stage of this die pair, using the obverse die from the VAM-2A, showing a transferred “In” and final “t” of “trust” in the fields of the obverse.
If that wasn’t enough, no VAM-14.4A apparently has been ever sold in Heritage auctions. Two VAM-14.4 examples have: a PCGS MS65 last year at Long Beach for $2,185 and an NGC MS64 three years ago in Pittsburgh for $833.75. Teletrade has only sold a single VAM-14.4 (ANACS MS62 for an insanely low $275) in that past 15 years and it was not a clashed VAM-14.4A. VAM collectors who get one of these, don’t easily let go of them. That makes even a regular VAM-14.4 a difficult component of a Hot-50 or 1878 8TF VAM Morgan set.
VAMView sets the current value of this coin at $470 in MS62. However, since this is a PCGS graded coin (see VAMView’s note on that), my own cost basis, and the fact that this is not one easily replaced in my inventory, I am setting a reserve very slightly above that. A serious VAM collector will understand the opportunity of this offering and future potential of the variety.
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1878 7TF Rev 78 VAM-114A NGC MS64 Morgan Dollar
The VAM-114 is hardly an uncommon variety among the 7 tail feather 1878-dated Morgans. Collectors with even a handful of the date usually have at least one. The clashed subvariety, VAM-114A, is only slightly less common despite the official R-5 rarity designation. This is what it is, a really nice example of the type and date in near gem with the added interesting features of some really neat clashes.
The coin offered here is a select one. It falls short of full gem due to marks on the cheek and a couple above trust on the reverse. The obverse is brilliant white with only the faintest hint of toning at the denticles. The reverse is framed in a tasteful light sepia toning.
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1878 8TF VAM-14.1A PCGS AU55 Toned Morgan Dollar
Deeply toned on both sides, mostly golden orange with strong infusion of electric blues on the peripheries. VAM-14.1 is one of the most common 8TF varieties. This clashed subvariety, VAM-14.1A, is slightly less common. This coin is only very slightly circulated, with the wear consistent with the PCGS assigned grade almost completely lost in the toning. This is a very attractively 8TF example that just has that look one would like to see in a nearly 130 year old silver dollar.
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1884-O/O VAM-10 Hot-50 NGC MS64 Morgan Dollar
One of the easier Hot-50 VAMs to locate, this is an interesting coin. The mint mark was doubled but was originally thought by many to be an O/CC.
This particular coin is a nice example. It is fully struck with a toned obverse and lustrous white reverse. It is properly graded with minimal marks that are not distracting. An attractive coin.
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1892-O VAM-5 (was VAM-7) Doubled Ear ANACS XF40 Top-100 $1
Many VAM collectors didn’t notice that Leroy Van Allen combined VAM-5 and VAM-7 into VAM-5 last year. The Top-100 coin is now officially designated as VAM-5.
This coin offered here is a nice XF representative of the variety. Even wear, consistent with the assigned grade, nice look, clearly doubled ear. It is in an affordable grade, listed at $70 in VAMView.
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1888 VAM-16A NGC MS66 Hot-50 DDR/Obv Gouge $1
Tied for Finest Graded
This was originally designated as VAM-26 but was changed last year to VAM-16A when it was noted that the dies were the same as VAM-16 but with a large gouge through the right cotton boll.
NGC has only certified 8 total VAM-16, which includes both VAM-16 and VAM-16A. There are only two at the MS66 level and none finer. This is one of those two, the other being the one in my set (both VAM-16A). ANACS has graded only a single VAM-16A in MS65 and none higher. PCGS does not attribute the variety.
I have seen no recorded sales of this variety and this is indeed tied with only one other as the finest certified, making this an important sale. Accordingly to VAMView, no regular VAM-16 were sold since January 2006 (an ANACS MS64 and an ANACS MS63), a year and a half ago, and went for about double greysheet for the stated grades.
A reserve is being set on this lot as it is a singular opportunity on an important coin. It is at a definite premium to the greysheet for the date but still low for the VAM.
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1897 VAM-6A ANACS MS64 Top-100 Morgan Dollar
Excellent strike, lustrous, and very nicely, originally toned (rose and purple) peripheries on both sides. Marks are minimal and consistent with the grade. Valuation ($200 in VAMView) does not suggest the expense of crossover to PCGS or NGC is worthwhile.
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1885-CC VAM-4 PCGS MS65 Hot-50 Morgan Dollar
Absolutely breathtaking in cartwheel luster and with a superb strike, this full gem PCGS 1885-CC is a terrific coin. The population for this is 18 with only 10 finer, all MS66. Now that spells O-P-P-O-R-T-U-N-I-T-Y. The date is already a highly coveted one in general for Morgan collectors. To have one of the top couple dozen of the Hot-50 VAM for that variety in a PCGS holder is something worth serious consideration.
I am setting a reserve that is below the recent sales of this variety.
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* SOLD *
1934-D VAM-3 ANACS MS63 DDO Peace Dollar
I had this ready to go out to PCGS. However, I needed to fill out a bulk submission to ANACS and just included it in that one instead. A very nice white, with some incidental toning, example of this variety that displays dramatic doubling in Liberty’s tiara as well as the left motto.
A precautionary low reserve is set. It should sell just fine but will be sent to PCGS if not. If you want a nice example of this VAM, here is a good opportunity.
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1890 VAM-15A ANACS AU55 Details R-6 Morgan Dollar
A very sought after rarity, this is affordable to more people because it has been graded with altered surfaces. Both sides were buffed and the surfaces appear, under magnification, to have parallel wipe lines from that buffing. The details are completely undisturbed. As you can see in the VAMView prices, it would otherwise be a $350 coin. Is it worth $250, the range for VF to XF? I’ll let the market decide. My reserve is FAR below both of those numbers.
The variety itself is characterized primarily by large gouges from the wreath to the E, D and first L of ONE DOLLAR. The bottom outside of Liberty’s ear is also tripled. This is a difficult variety to find, as the rarity rating indicates. This would make an excellent addition to a set that could not afford quite a bit more for a problem-free specimen. It also is a good study piece to aid the VAM hunter in locating another.
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1904-O VAM-22A PCGS MS63 OGH Denticle Impressions $1
Sought after 1904-O variety that features a denticle clearly in the field below the eagle’s wing. Liberty’s profile is also distinctly doubled.
VAMView values this at $250 in MS63. This is in an older PCGS holder, though I feel the grade is correct and wouldn’t upgrade to MS64. Pure white, lustrous, with an average strike for the date. Previous die clashing is evident on the reverse.
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1896-O VAM-18A NGC AU50 G,t Clashes Morgan Dollar
When I discussed this with Dr. Mark Kimpton, the variety’s discoverer and clashed die author/expert, a year ago, he confirmed that he had only known of 5 other examples of this rare variety and that I had the finest two known, the AU58 in my set and this AU50.
Offered here is a specimen graded AU50 by NGC. It features the elusive G clash, a result of the dies being rotated when they clashed. The t (last letter in trust) clash is quite bold, unlike the one on the lower grade and weaker struck coin sent as the discovery.
I am setting a very low reserve on this lot and hope it can find a home in the collection of a fellow clashed Morgan enthusiast. This variety has never been offered for public sale before and has the potential, when better known, to be regarded as an important rarity.
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1887/1887 VAM-5 NGC MS64 Top-100 Morgan Dollar
Little known late die state of this Top-100 overdate variety. I sent this coin to Leroy Van Allen to get a VAM-5A designation for the clashes. It was denied because the transfers to the obverse were to a heavily eroded die that precluded easy identification and even photographing. The fact that the dies had been used so heavily explains why this remains one of the more common of the Top-100 varieties. Low reserve set to cover my costs.
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1887 VAM-3A LDS NGC MS63 TONED MISTY Morgan Dollar
Extraordinary Original toning on the obverse are a huge plus to this popular Super Clashed Die VAM. Central are vibrant golds. A patch of rose is by the date and the very sought after green toning dominates the outer radial third of the obverse.
The VAM-3A, nicknamed MISTY, is a very poignant variety to the specialty of clashed dies as it is the variety that, in 2003, first was shown to exhibit a transfer of the last t of trust to the obverse field in the hair vee (above the first two right stars). This clash occurred twice. The latter is this coin, the late die state (LDS), which shows the t clash doubled. The earlier, single clash state is the rarer of the two however.
VAMView lists this at $160 in MS63. The exceptional toning should warrant multiples of that itself. In fact, I paid a heavy premium for the toning myself. I set a reserve that covers my cost for this very difficult to replace specimen but well below what I believe is the fair market value for it.
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NSDR - Life Member
SSDC - Life Member
ANA - Pay As I Go Member
NSDR - Life Member
SSDC - Life Member
ANA - Pay As I Go Member