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Any Morgan Dollar VAM collectors?

silverdollarfitzsilverdollarfitz Posts: 159 ✭
in U.S. Coin Forum
Just wondering... I think I have decided to start collecting all the VAMs for 1887 P to start with.

Should be fun!
1887 P Morgans Please!!!
image
My collections!!!! : : Photos

My new VAMmer facebook group! : Silver Dollar VAMmers

Comments

  • blu62vetteblu62vette Posts: 11,931 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Buy the big VAM book, it has an amazing amount of knowledge..
    http://www.bluccphotos.com" target="new">BluCC Photos Shows for onsite imaging: Nov Baltimore, FUN, Long Beach http://www.facebook.com/bluccphotos" target="new">BluCC on Facebook
  • DennisHDennisH Posts: 13,996 ✭✭✭✭✭
    VAM Geek Dennis here. Guilty as charged! image
    When in doubt, don't.
  • direwolf1972direwolf1972 Posts: 2,076 ✭✭✭
    many of the 87 P's are easy and it is a good year to work with if you are wanting to focus on a single year/mm

    VAM-1B is going to take you a while unless you drop a big chunk and buy one already attributed.

    I'll see your bunny with a pancake on his head and raise you a Siamese cat with a miniature pumpkin on his head.

    You wouldn't believe how long it took to get him to sit still for this.


  • erroiderroid Posts: 795 ✭
    Oh yeah!! If you really like LOOKING at coins, VAMs are for you; here's the VAMmers site: http://www.vamworld.com/
    John G Bradley II
  • messydeskmessydesk Posts: 20,057 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Aye. Several of us here. Have fun, and don't forget to check out vamworld.com.
    John
    Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
  • silverdollarfitzsilverdollarfitz Posts: 159 ✭
    Are there many coins on ebay that just dont have a VAM label that are a VAM variety? I'm assuming so...
    1887 P Morgans Please!!!
    image
    My collections!!!! : : Photos

    My new VAMmer facebook group! : Silver Dollar VAMmers
  • blu62vetteblu62vette Posts: 11,931 ✭✭✭✭✭
    All morgans are VAM's, so yes there are lots. Being able to determine the VAM from EBAY photos is a completely different thing.
    http://www.bluccphotos.com" target="new">BluCC Photos Shows for onsite imaging: Nov Baltimore, FUN, Long Beach http://www.facebook.com/bluccphotos" target="new">BluCC on Facebook
  • cheezhedcheezhed Posts: 5,879 ✭✭✭✭✭
    VAM's are fun!
    Many happy BST transactions
  • DennisHDennisH Posts: 13,996 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Are there many coins on ebay that just dont have a VAM label that are a VAM variety? I'm assuming so... >>

    Yes... but the problem is that so few photos are high quality enough to be able to accurately identify them. Then again, that's part of the game! image
    When in doubt, don't.
  • Top50SetBuilderTop50SetBuilder Posts: 951 ✭✭✭
    good luck. 1887 isnt eactly an easy year... Donkey Taill, VAM 1B, 1887/6, etc.
  • DieClashDieClash Posts: 3,688 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Buy the big VAM book, it has an amazing amount of knowledge.. >>



    What's the big VAM book? image

    Edited: The Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan and Peace Dollars by Leroy C. Van Allen and A. George Mallis?
    "Please help us keep these boards professional and informative…. And fun." - DW
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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  • direwolf1972direwolf1972 Posts: 2,076 ✭✭✭


    << <i>good luck. 1887 isnt eactly an easy year... Donkey Taill, VAM 1B, 1887/6, etc. >>



    DT's and 7/6's arent that bad if you go through enough coins

    They dont exactly grow on trees but I managed to snag five DT's in under 2 years.

    High end ones are a different story.

    I guess a lot of it depends on if you are just looking for an example of each VAM or if you are looking to put together a MS set.
    I'll see your bunny with a pancake on his head and raise you a Siamese cat with a miniature pumpkin on his head.

    You wouldn't believe how long it took to get him to sit still for this.


  • Wolf359Wolf359 Posts: 7,657 ✭✭✭
    1887 is nice date for VAMs. I sent you a PM.
    Multi-channel listings of coins and inventory management

    Free Trial
  • ibzman350ibzman350 Posts: 5,315 ✭
    I would be one of those people

    Look here at my latest pick up


    BTW..................image



    Just stay away from the 21 morgans!








    Herb
    Remember it's not how you pick your nose that matters, it's where you put the boogers.
    imageimageimage
  • blu62vetteblu62vette Posts: 11,931 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Buy the big VAM book, it has an amazing amount of knowledge.. >>



    What's the big VAM book? image

    Edited: The Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan and Peace Dollars by Leroy C. Van Allen and A. George Mallis? >>



    Yep that is the one, I wasnt at home and couldnt remember the exact name hence big vam book.
    http://www.bluccphotos.com" target="new">BluCC Photos Shows for onsite imaging: Nov Baltimore, FUN, Long Beach http://www.facebook.com/bluccphotos" target="new">BluCC on Facebook
  • silverdollarfitzsilverdollarfitz Posts: 159 ✭


    << <i> I would be one of those people

    Look here at my latest pick up

    Just stay away from the 21 morgans! >>



    Thanks! I did see that coin, very nice. I'm just on the 1887's now... we'll see about the 21's later... image

    Does anyone know if the "A Buyer's Guide to Silver Dollars & Trade Dollars of the United States (Paperback)
    by Q. David Bowers (Author), John Dannreuther (Editor)     " has VAMs in it? I just bought that...

    if not i'll have to buy the other one as well.
    1887 P Morgans Please!!!
    image
    My collections!!!! : : Photos

    My new VAMmer facebook group! : Silver Dollar VAMmers
  • direwolf1972direwolf1972 Posts: 2,076 ✭✭✭
    The big book is almost compulsory.

    Other than that there are some excellent publications out there but I rank VAMworld as the best place to learn. Tons of information. Also if you havent checked out the message board there I highly suggest it.
    I'll see your bunny with a pancake on his head and raise you a Siamese cat with a miniature pumpkin on his head.

    You wouldn't believe how long it took to get him to sit still for this.


  • Raybob15239Raybob15239 Posts: 1,359 ✭✭✭
    VAM Geek here too. I've got a thing for 21s and Scribbles. Get the VAM book and go check out VAMWorld.
    Successful B/S/T transactions: As Seller: PascoWA (June 2008); MsMorrisine (April 2009); ECHOES (July 2009) As Buyer: bfjohnson (July 2008); robkool (Dec 2010); itsnotjustme (Dec 2010) TwoSides2aCoin (Dec 2018) PrivateCoin Jan 2019
  • Raybob15239Raybob15239 Posts: 1,359 ✭✭✭
    :Just stay away from the 21 morgans!"

    Aw, come on Herb! the 21s are alot of fun! Especially the scribbles varieties! Hey, if you don't like 'em, that's just more for me!
    Successful B/S/T transactions: As Seller: PascoWA (June 2008); MsMorrisine (April 2009); ECHOES (July 2009) As Buyer: bfjohnson (July 2008); robkool (Dec 2010); itsnotjustme (Dec 2010) TwoSides2aCoin (Dec 2018) PrivateCoin Jan 2019
  • PQTypePQType Posts: 471 ✭
    Vamworld is a great site
    The American With Disabilites Act Information Line. Get correct answers to questions and free publications.


  • silverdollarfitzsilverdollarfitz Posts: 159 ✭
    Yes, I've been using VAMworld recently.

    And thanks to Wolf, i have bought my first 1887 VAM!

    A 1887 VAM-3A, in pretty good condition... my guess is 60 something, but I dont' know much about grading. Still waiting for my books.

    image

    image

    image

    YAY!
    1887 P Morgans Please!!!
    image
    My collections!!!! : : Photos

    My new VAMmer facebook group! : Silver Dollar VAMmers
  • shottakershottaker Posts: 309
    I love VAMS! Most dealers hate em, I don't. In times like these, I think the dealers just counting on bullion are going to quickly find themselves in a situation of "the quick and the dead". I maximize everything that comes in the door within reason. VAMS have paid the light bill more than once.

    Cant tell you how many guys on the bourse floor or with B&M shops still cant tell 81-s type 1 and 2 proofs!

    Thats just one example of the "slippage" I see in a lot of places. If/when bullion slows down those guys are in trouble. It's not that hard to memorize & familiarize oneself with a lot of the more common varieties of coins. Then start working on more. I pick everything from type2 72 ikes to 81-s type 2 proofs from dealers every time I walk a floor. Of course the guys that I know/respect/or seem friendly I pay appropiately for what I pick. The unfriendly or hard to deal with types get the shaft. Theres one guy that has seen me setting up and walking floors for at least 15 years and wont discount a penny even on a $1 coin to me. Wonder how much money thats cost him over the course of the last 15 years I've picked him. Bet its somewhere between a brand new SUV and camaro! Just goes to show there are some dealers who have professional courtesy when the occasion calls for it.
  • BochimanBochiman Posts: 25,446 ✭✭✭✭✭
    VAM? Is that something like the 2008W/2007 SAE?

    image

    I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment

  • shottakershottaker Posts: 309


    << <i>VAM? Is that something like the 2008W/2007 SAE?

    image >>



    Its all the same to me.
    Just another variety classification. Dolllars are so common coming in the door though that I cant believe more dealers check them. What else do you have to do at night while watching tv?
  • VAMSKYVAMSKY Posts: 178
    Better late than never Pappy always said ... add me to the list. EBay is a treasure hunt! I've picked up some nice unattributed rarities there (including four of the "first Morgan" 1878 8TF VAM 9). And I've also pulled the trigger on a lot of losers. Do this a few times and you become motivated to improve. image I personally prefer a marginal picture on EBay that I can download and enhance. The large, sharp pictures bring in lots of competition. Welcome to our addiction!
    Dave of the cornfields
  • ibzman350ibzman350 Posts: 5,315 ✭


    << <i>:Just stay away from the 21 morgans!"

    Aw, come on Herb! the 21s are alot of fun! Especially the scribbles varieties! Hey, if you don't like 'em, that's just more for me! >>




    No no no, I want him to stay away, so there will be more for us!image








    Herb
    Remember it's not how you pick your nose that matters, it's where you put the boogers.
    imageimageimage
  • MrOrganicMrOrganic Posts: 1,366
    I also recently got into VAMs I am still confused on how to systematically look for vams on a general basis.

    One day the I will own a "scarface"
    Singapore & Hong Kong March/April
    Hong kong/Long Beach JUNE Table #838
    MACAU
    emgworldwide@gmail.com
    Cell: 512.808.3197
    EMERGING MARKET GROUP
    PCGS, NGC, CCE & NCS, CGC, PSA, Auth. Dealer
  • silverdollarfitzsilverdollarfitz Posts: 159 ✭


    << <i>


    No no no, I want him to stay away, so there will be more for us!image

    Herb >>



    My goal is to take away all the 21's so there will be none for you two... Buhahahaha image

    lol
    1887 P Morgans Please!!!
    image
    My collections!!!! : : Photos

    My new VAMmer facebook group! : Silver Dollar VAMmers
  • Raybob15239Raybob15239 Posts: 1,359 ✭✭✭
    "My goal is to take away all the 21's so there will be none for you two... Buhahahaha image"

    Just you wait.... sooner or later, you will find yourself locked in a room, sitting in a corner rocking back and forth with a 30 loupe stuck to your eye and mumbling incoherently about Scribbling Scratches!!!!
    Successful B/S/T transactions: As Seller: PascoWA (June 2008); MsMorrisine (April 2009); ECHOES (July 2009) As Buyer: bfjohnson (July 2008); robkool (Dec 2010); itsnotjustme (Dec 2010) TwoSides2aCoin (Dec 2018) PrivateCoin Jan 2019
  • silverdollarfitzsilverdollarfitz Posts: 159 ✭


    << <i>"My goal is to take away all the 21's so there will be none for you two... Buhahahaha image"

    Just you wait.... sooner or later, you will find yourself locked in a room, sitting in a corner rocking back and forth with a 30 loupe stuck to your eye and mumbling incoherently about Scribbling Scratches!!!! >>



    image Can't wait! lol.

    I didn't realize there were so many 1921 VAMs, wow. never would be able to complete that collection. Thats why I'm doing 1887 P. only about 30 VAMs.
    1887 P Morgans Please!!!
    image
    My collections!!!! : : Photos

    My new VAMmer facebook group! : Silver Dollar VAMmers
  • direwolf1972direwolf1972 Posts: 2,076 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I also recently got into VAMs I am still confused on how to systematically look for vams on a general basis.

    One day the I will own a "scarface" >>



    Everyone has their own learning curve but I found it best to start with a single date/mm and learn all the PUP's (pick up points) for the VAMs that you are interested in for that date. Once you feel comfortable with that one add another date/mm and so on. In no way would I call myself a VAM expert but I feel a lot more comfortable than I used to. I'm slowly building up to about a dozen date/mm's that I feel comfortable with. Take it slow and read the 101 over at VAMworld.

    Edited to add:

    I know the feeling on someday wanting to cherry pick a scarface. Check out the circulated one that was snagged a week or two ago over at the VW forum.
    I'll see your bunny with a pancake on his head and raise you a Siamese cat with a miniature pumpkin on his head.

    You wouldn't believe how long it took to get him to sit still for this.


  • shottakershottaker Posts: 309


    << <i>"My goal is to take away all the 21's so there will be none for you two... Buhahahaha image"

    Just you wait.... sooner or later, you will find yourself locked in a room, sitting in a corner rocking back and forth with a 30 loupe stuck to your eye and mumbling incoherently about Scribbling Scratches!!!! >>



    Lord I hate those scribblers. 21's take a while to figure out which one, but every once in a while its worth it. Of course some of the better vams slip through on occasion.

    Think we sold a capped r for 30.00 or so a few months back, last time I start things like that too cheap. Heck thats such a neat vam I want one for myself now.............
  • blu62vetteblu62vette Posts: 11,931 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>"My goal is to take away all the 21's so there will be none for you two... Buhahahaha image"

    Just you wait.... sooner or later, you will find yourself locked in a room, sitting in a corner rocking back and forth with a 30 loupe stuck to your eye and mumbling incoherently about Scribbling Scratches!!!! >>



    image Can't wait! lol.

    I didn't realize there were so many 1921 VAMs, wow. never would be able to complete that collection. Thats why I'm doing 1887 P. only about 30 VAMs. >>



    That is smart. You cant do them all. Pick subsets you want to do and start learning pick-ups and other featues. I like overdates and clashes. I still suck at cherrypicking.
    http://www.bluccphotos.com" target="new">BluCC Photos Shows for onsite imaging: Nov Baltimore, FUN, Long Beach http://www.facebook.com/bluccphotos" target="new">BluCC on Facebook
  • ibzman350ibzman350 Posts: 5,315 ✭


    << <i>VAM? Is that something like the 2008W/2007 SAE?

    image >>




    The 2008W/2007 SAE

    You're talking about MAV..................










    ................Modern American Varietyimage







    Herb
    Remember it's not how you pick your nose that matters, it's where you put the boogers.
    imageimageimage
  • messydeskmessydesk Posts: 20,057 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>"My goal is to take away all the 21's so there will be none for you two... Buhahahaha image"

    Just you wait.... sooner or later, you will find yourself locked in a room, sitting in a corner rocking back and forth with a 30 loupe stuck to your eye and mumbling incoherently about Scribbling Scratches!!!! >>


    Or worse yet, in a padded room wearing a long sleeved coat drawing scribbling scratches patterns on the wall with a crayon you managed to pick up with your toes.
    John
    Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
  • silverdollarfitzsilverdollarfitz Posts: 159 ✭


    << <i>
    Or worse yet, in a padded room wearing a long sleeved coat drawing scribbling scratches patterns on the wall with a crayon you managed to pick up with your toes. >>




    HA. image
    1887 P Morgans Please!!!
    image
    My collections!!!! : : Photos

    My new VAMmer facebook group! : Silver Dollar VAMmers
  • cmerlo1cmerlo1 Posts: 7,920 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Hello everyone...my name is Christian and I'm a VAMmer. I got hooked on them several years ago, and it's been hard to stop.
    You Suck! Awarded 6/2008- 1901-O Micro O Morgan, 8/2008- 1878 VAM-123 Morgan, 9/2022 1888-O VAM-1B3 H8 Morgan | Senior Regional Representative- ANACS Coin Grading. Posted opinions on coins are my own, and are not an official ANACS opinion.
  • direwolf1972direwolf1972 Posts: 2,076 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I got hooked on them several years ago, and it's been hard to stop. >>



    Your not joking.

    I've had several dreams of cherry picking a huge score several times.
    I'll see your bunny with a pancake on his head and raise you a Siamese cat with a miniature pumpkin on his head.

    You wouldn't believe how long it took to get him to sit still for this.


  • DieClashDieClash Posts: 3,688 ✭✭✭
    Can't say that I've ever cherrypicked one off the Bay. Heck, I'm still trying to figure which Vam is which among the coins I've already collected. I've found a couple of Top 50's so far. The frustrating part is trying to attribute each coin. I'm a novice VAMer with lot's to learn. But it's cool when you find a cherry, that's for sure!
    "Please help us keep these boards professional and informative…. And fun." - DW
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    BONGO HURTLES ALONG THE RAIN SODDEN HIGHWAY OF LIFE ON UNDERINFLATED BALD RETREAD TIRES
  • WindycityWindycity Posts: 3,524 ✭✭✭✭✭
    If you have an obsessive/compulsive tendency, run away now!!! If not, have fun. It a whole new world of collecting.
    <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.mullencoins.com">Mullen Coins Website - Windycity Coin website
  • silverdollarfitzsilverdollarfitz Posts: 159 ✭
    I look forward to my future endeavors! Need to wait a bit to buy the next one though... need some cash.
    1887 P Morgans Please!!!
    image
    My collections!!!! : : Photos

    My new VAMmer facebook group! : Silver Dollar VAMmers
  • bstat1020bstat1020 Posts: 2,157 ✭✭
    This thread got me motivated to check the VAMs that I have on the three Morgans that I own.

    This is what I found:

    1883CC - VAM 5A - Doubled Date, CC/CC, clashed n and t, die scratch in wing, gouge in beak
    1885CC - VAM 3 - CC tilted left
    1921P - VAM 3 - 16 berries and spike on F of OF. This took we forever to figure out.

    Madelyn's Birth Year Registry Set, Sophia's Birth Year Registry Set, My 10 Best Coins
  • silverdollarfitzsilverdollarfitz Posts: 159 ✭
    congrats! its always fun to find more specific details out about your coins. Makes it more interesting.
    1887 P Morgans Please!!!
    image
    My collections!!!! : : Photos

    My new VAMmer facebook group! : Silver Dollar VAMmers
  • Raybob15239Raybob15239 Posts: 1,359 ✭✭✭
    "1921P - VAM 3 - 16 berries and spike on F of OF. This took we forever to figure out"

    What makes you think that you're done? It may be a VAM 3, but which one? You need to look at the Scribbling Scratches.
    Successful B/S/T transactions: As Seller: PascoWA (June 2008); MsMorrisine (April 2009); ECHOES (July 2009) As Buyer: bfjohnson (July 2008); robkool (Dec 2010); itsnotjustme (Dec 2010) TwoSides2aCoin (Dec 2018) PrivateCoin Jan 2019
  • bstat1020bstat1020 Posts: 2,157 ✭✭


    << <i>"1921P - VAM 3 - 16 berries and spike on F of OF. This took we forever to figure out"

    What makes you think that you're done? It may be a VAM 3, but which one? You need to look at the Scribbling Scratches. >>



    Holy S**T! Give me about a week and I will let you know. I think I might need a more powerful loupe!
    Madelyn's Birth Year Registry Set, Sophia's Birth Year Registry Set, My 10 Best Coins
  • messydeskmessydesk Posts: 20,057 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Holy S**T! Give me about a week and I will let you know. I think I might need a more powerful loupe! >>


    Surprise!! image
    Welcome to the hobby and be sure to have fun with it.
    John
    Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
  • silverdollarfitzsilverdollarfitz Posts: 159 ✭
    Anybody a member of the SSDC? And gets vamview? is it worth it?
    1887 P Morgans Please!!!
    image
    My collections!!!! : : Photos

    My new VAMmer facebook group! : Silver Dollar VAMmers
  • clarkbar04clarkbar04 Posts: 4,961 ✭✭✭✭✭
    My favorite are the 21-Ds. Pretty easy to spot the PUP on many of them.

    imageimageimage
    image
    MS66 taste on an MS63 budget.

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