Grade Please: Morgan 1878 8TF?

chaze215

I saw this coin @ an estate auction today and remembered something about 7 and 8 TFs and had to pick it up. It looks like there are 8. Any comments, possible grade, price? And it looks like something is going on between the I-B-U-S in Pluribus, no? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks! Chaz

Fairlaneman

Strange looking coin from the photos. BB from what I see.

Ken

Wolf359

VAM-5, Top 100 coin

Click here

AU50 ...ish. 400 certified at PCGS, maybe 250 raw.

Well done!

P.S. You suck

chaze215

Since I dont know much about Morgans or VAMs, I am confused by the 1st two comments. Is it a BB worth melt or a VAM worth 200+? I am not trying to be a wiseass, just trying to learn all I can.

Chaz

GoldenEyeNumismatics

Great looking AU+ coin.

Meltdown

It's certainly a vam 5 from what I see. It may bodybag for altered surfaces, or it may not. The photos are a bit deceptive. It could just be honest wear. It's a collectible coin in my book.

edited for spelling

Wolf359

From the photos, I don't see anything that would BB the coin at PCGS.

If it certifies at PCGS at AU50, the price guide calls it a $400 coin. If you choose to sell it raw as an 1878 8TF VAM-5, Top 100 coin, I'd would estimate you should ask
around $250 for it.

As far as VAMs there are 41 different types of 8TF coins. A VAM = type, nothing more. VAM-5 is one of the rarer types and sells for more money than a "common" 8TF coin.

coindeuce

Very nice circ. VAM 5. Just the way I like 'em, with natural patina. WAG AU-50/53

chaze215

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I went with my gut and it paid off. I guess getting this coin for $22.50 was a sweet deal.

Chaz

erroid

Follow Wolf359's link, you won a Top 100 variety, a very desirable piece. BB means "body bag", but it look good to me too. PCGS will charge you around $45 for slabbing/attribution, and WON'T slab it if they find it to have a problem(cleaning, scratched, artificial toned, etc), keeping your fees. ANACS will charge you about $15 and WILL slab a problem coin.... The piece is worth slabbing. By the way, nice "pick" and she looks to be a nice AU.

DennisH

The coin looks fine to me... about AU55 in my opinion. In a PCGS holder at that grade I would expect it to sell for between $300 and $350.

chaze215

Has my new purchase qualified as at least a mini "You Suck"? I am not familiar with the requirements or criteria.

Chaz

sweetwilliet

I think about au55 looks right, nice definition of the breast feathers, and nice vam pick-up.

chaze215

After a little research on Morgan grades and VAMS, it does look to be AU50-55. Thanks again all.

Chaz

coindeuce

Your Y.S. already came from Wolf359. Don't take it too lightly
BTW, glad you're floating on air right now about your pick...I remember the excitement around a dealer's table at the Cleveland Spring A.N.A. in 1997. He had a whole roll of UNC. 8TF VAM 5. They didn't last long!!