So, where do you send a VAM to be attributed?

Kaelasdad

Been looking at quite a few Morgans and Peaces over the last few months, and getting to know some of the VAMs. My question is, when you find a coin that doesnt show up under any existing VAM designation--where does one send it to be reviewed, and to whom? I assume the main answer is Leroy Van Allen, but i have no information on where he is.


Thanks for any help

TexasNationals

Russ, it should be in the book, but it is here also I would double check VAM world just to make sure it is a new discovery before you pay all the postage and insurance.

DennisH

<< <i>Russ, it should be in the book, but it is here also I would double check VAM world just to make sure it is a new discovery before you pay all the postage and insurance. >>

I second that. Running it past other experienced eyes before sending it to Leroy is a must.

atarian

a picture here should be all it takes to have a WAM verified as such

Kaelasdad

I have been going through VAMworld like a crazed man trying to get correct attribution on most coins, but a few come to mind that make me think Id want to consider sending in. I have heard that to send in a new variety, there must be more than 1--and obviously, if there is a new variety--especially if it has a nice, distinct feature---one might want to keep the date/mintmark on the downlow to keep searching for that second one. Do you need 2 to make a new variety--or is the discovery specimen enough?

TexasNationals

Discovery is enough, if the die markers don't match any known coins in any given die state, EDS, MDS, LDS or a combo such as MLDS then that would by far be enough to attribute it. As far as going through a bunch of coins to find the second and keep it on the down low could be quite a challenge as you need all given die pairings in all form of die state. Just because it is a new die variety doesn't necessarily make it worth more. Look at most series for instance, Lincolns, Jefferson's, Washington's are not normally collected by die state. Now if the new die variety holds a unique and interesting characteristic then it may be worth looking. In my honest opinion though if it were a peace dollar with a interesting die characteristic and as many collectors as there are with all of the given reference material I find it difficult to believe it hasn't already been discovered. Example: 1923 Peace dollar with a die crack on the cheek shown in LDS or terminal die state, a scar face that is, it would be hard for me to swallow that something like that hasn't already been discovered. Remember, just because it is a new die variety doesn't mean it carries a premium.

Edit: Atarian, what state of nationals are you going for?

Wolf359

<< <i>I have been going through VAMworld like a crazed man trying to get correct attribution on most coins, but a few come to mind that make me think Id want to consider sending in. I have heard that to send in a new variety, there must be more than 1--and obviously, if there is a new variety--especially if it has a nice, distinct feature---one might want to keep the date/mintmark on the downlow to keep searching for that second one. Do you need 2 to make a new variety--or is the discovery specimen enough? >>



Try to avoid spending too much time on common VAMs...that will burn out your interest in a hurry.

Now, when you find the rare ones and hold them, it makes them that much more special! Merry Xmas.

BlindedByEgo

I recall sending a bunch of Morgans to Messydesk several years ago for attribution and Varslab-ing; I had one coin that was previously unlisted, and therefore was a "discovery" piece. Interesting but not that earth-shattering an experience.