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There is the 1881-s Morgan $1 VAM-54B aka Wounded Eagle

Is that a significant variety and is it in demand by Morgan Dollar variety collectors?

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    IkesTIkesT Posts: 4,707 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited October 29, 2026 7:12PM

    Yes.

    If you want to grow as a collector and develop some agency, go ahead and finish your research on this variety. Then report back to tell us why the answer to your question is "yes".

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    I have read about it. But reading about itvs hearing what fellow collectors and the associated experts who are in the field so to say is a whole other thing. I can easily say from what I read it is a notable variety which is why it is placed in particular categories in the Vam reference material. But I enjoy hearing what my fellow collectors really think about it. Books and writings are great, but nothing beats discussions with zero bias and motivations.

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    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 43,337 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @CivilWarBuff said:
    I have read about it. But reading about itvs hearing what fellow collectors and the associated experts who are in the field so to say is a whole other thing. I can easily say from what I read it is a notable variety which is why it is placed in particular categories in the Vam reference material. But I enjoy hearing what my fellow collectors really think about it. Books and writings are great, but nothing beats discussions with zero bias and motivations.

    Everyone has biases and motivations. I don't care at all about VAMs. I would pay zero premium for any VAM unless I was trying to flip it for a profit. How useful (useless) is that opinion?

    [And a VAM enthusiast may be equally useless. ]

    Look at auction results if you want to know how the market values the variety. Asking a bunch of random strangers will just give you a bunch of random, biased results

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

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    Thank you. I don't really care about valuations since they are driven by so many factors. I am looking for fellow collectors who have found these varieties in the wild and have experiences with sightings. Hey what can I say I like to take a different approach. But I agree with everything you wrote and I will always remain curious and conservative in my approach with the hobby.

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    coastaljerseyguycoastaljerseyguy Posts: 2,164 ✭✭✭✭✭

    If you want to get expert opinions on the coin from Vam enthusiasts you should post on the vamworld site. They know their stuff and amaze me a lot of times with their knowledge.

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    IkesTIkesT Posts: 4,707 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @CivilWarBuff said:
    Thank you. I don't really care about valuations since they are driven by so many factors.

    Auction results are driven by demand, which is exactly what you said you cared about. :D

    Look up auction prices for the VAM-54B and compare them to regular 1881-S Morgan dollars of the same grade. If you're not willing to do that, just forget the whole thing.

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    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 43,337 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited October 30, 2026 3:19PM

    @CivilWarBuff said:
    Thank you. I don't really care about valuations since they are driven by so many factors. I am looking for fellow collectors who have found these varieties in the wild and have experiences with sightings. Hey what can I say I like to take a different approach. But I agree with everything you wrote and I will always remain curious and conservative in my approach with the hobby.

    Valuations do reflect supply and demand, as @IkesT has already said. While valuation might not be the only item of interest for you, it is a useful data point. It is probably more useful than me saying "ho, hum" or an enthusiast screaming "it's my favorite coin of all time!"

    Of course, it's also fun to hear people's stories which is one of the main reasons this forum exists. So, I hope you find like-minded collectors.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

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    @IkesT said:

    @CivilWarBuff said:
    Thank you. I don't really care about valuations since they are driven by so many factors.

    Auction results are driven by demand, which is exactly what you said you cared about. :D

    Look up auction prices for the VAM-54B and compare them to regular 1881-S Morgan dollars of the same grade. If you're not willing to do that, just forget the whole thing.

    I have looked up auction records. So what, not interested in valuations since I keep and don't sell. Just interested in what fellow collectors know about a particular variety that appeals to me.

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    IkesTIkesT Posts: 4,707 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @CivilWarBuff said:

    @IkesT said:

    @CivilWarBuff said:
    Thank you. I don't really care about valuations since they are driven by so many factors.

    Auction results are driven by demand, which is exactly what you said you cared about. :D

    Look up auction prices for the VAM-54B and compare them to regular 1881-S Morgan dollars of the same grade. If you're not willing to do that, just forget the whole thing.

    I have looked up auction records. So what, not interested in valuations since I keep and don't sell.

    So you looked up the auction prices, even though you weren't interested in them. Got it...

    Just interested in what fellow collectors know about a particular variety that appeals to me.

    In that case, I know at least as much information as you know about the variety.

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    @IkesT said:

    @CivilWarBuff said:

    @IkesT said:

    @CivilWarBuff said:
    Thank you. I don't really care about valuations since they are driven by so many factors.

    Auction results are driven by demand, which is exactly what you said you cared about. :D

    Look up auction prices for the VAM-54B and compare them to regular 1881-S Morgan dollars of the same grade. If you're not willing to do that, just forget the whole thing.

    I have looked up auction records. So what, not interested in valuations since I keep and don't sell.

    So you looked up the auction prices, even though you weren't interested in them. Got it...

    Just interested in what fellow collectors know about a particular variety that appeals to me.

    In that case, I know at least as much information as you know about the variety.

    Ok, I always look up auction records , whether I am interested in them or not. Just to know about what is the range one should pay based on comps. But when it comes to varieties I like to know what collectors feel about certain ones that catch my eye. Do you like to argue or be helpful or stay natural, your choice?

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    MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 40,279 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @CivilWarBuff said:
    Ok, I always look up auction records , whether I am interested in them or not. Just to know about what is the range one should pay based on comps. But when it comes to varieties I like to know what collectors feel about certain ones that catch my eye. Do you like to argue or be helpful or stay natural, your choice?

    i understand.

    i'm not into morgan's i'm not sure we have many vam collectors here. but there are some here. it is a good idea to get a login on vamworld

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
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    IkesTIkesT Posts: 4,707 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @CivilWarBuff said:

    @IkesT said:

    @CivilWarBuff said: B)

    @IkesT said:

    @CivilWarBuff said:
    Thank you. I don't really care about valuations since they are driven by so many factors.

    Auction results are driven by demand, which is exactly what you said you cared about. :D

    Look up auction prices for the VAM-54B and compare them to regular 1881-S Morgan dollars of the same grade. If you're not willing to do that, just forget the whole thing.

    I have looked up auction records. So what, not interested in valuations since I keep and don't sell.

    So you looked up the auction prices, even though you weren't interested in them. Got it...

    Just interested in what fellow collectors know about a particular variety that appeals to me.

    In that case, I know at least as much information as you know about the variety.

    Ok, I always look up auction records , whether I am interested in them or not. Just to know about what is the range one should pay based on comps. But when it comes to varieties I like to know what collectors feel about certain ones that catch my eye. Do you like to argue or be helpful or stay natural, your choice?

    I'm always natural. B)

    For what it's worth, I like the variety, and from the auction results I saw, I would infer that others like the variety as well. That's what jmlanzaf and I have been trying to communicate to you, but you seem unwilling or just too far away to hear us.

    Based on your posting record here, it seems like you don't really know what you want at all. You've come up with the idea that you should buy VAMs, but it's not happening organically; It's as if you are trying to give yourself a pep talk about what to buy, even though you don't know enough and aren't really that into it yet. There's a lot to learn about coin collecting and making responsible purchases, but the interest and the passion for the coins is supposed to be the easy part. In my view, you don't really have that and it actually seems like you're trying to force it. I'd slow down if I were you and let things happen naturally.

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    Call me a dabber, I dab at Morgans. Not interested in collecting too many. Just a small sample of what I feel are the most interesting varieties in the series. I originally posted a question about the 1888-o Scar face, and now the 1881-s Wounded Eagle. There will be a few more as I review the varieties that interest me. My collection I hope will end up fitting one 1 hand. Short and sweet. And coming here and finding out what others know who are more experienced in such is very helpful in order to help confirm my choices.

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    IkesTIkesT Posts: 4,707 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited October 30, 2026 10:33PM

    @CivilWarBuff said:
    Call me a dabber, I dab at Morgans. Not interested in collecting too many. Just a small sample of what I feel are the most interesting varieties in the series. I originally posted a question about the 1888-o Scar face, and now the 1881-s Wounded Eagle. There will be a few more as I review the varieties that interest me. My collection I hope will end up fitting one 1 hand. Short and sweet. And coming here and finding out what others know who are more experienced in such is very helpful in order to help confirm my choices.

    To be perfectly honest, I don't see you buying any. You just don't seem that serious or committed to anything in particular. I can see you fussing over the varieties for a while, but doubt anything will come of it. And honestly, that's a good thing. It doesn't appear that you're interested enough to get the full enjoyment of ownership or knowledgeable enough to make informed purchases.

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    Dear Ikest,
    going from memory I own the following:
    1893-cc old anacs ms62 possibly PL
    1888-o VAM-1B4 H-10 old anacs ms62
    1881-s VAM-54B pcgs ogh ms63
    1890-CC VAM-4 Far Date, Tailbar Die gouge old anacs ms62 or ms63
    A dramatic strike thru of long string on obv in field, the date escapes me, old anacs ms63 or ms64
    A dramatic greese filled die on on obv obliterating most of the date ,the date me ,old anacs ms63 or ms64

    But as you can see just a few but I do enjoy them just don't really know how many are known to exist and to what extent are they sought after by collectors other than what VAM World reports.

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    IkesTIkesT Posts: 4,707 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @CivilWarBuff said:
    Dear Ikest,
    going from memory I own the following:
    1893-cc old anacs ms62 possibly PL
    1888-o VAM-1B4 H-10 old anacs ms62
    1881-s VAM-54B pcgs ogh ms63
    1890-CC VAM-4 Far Date, Tailbar Die gouge old anacs ms62 or ms63
    A dramatic strike thru of long string on obv in field, the date escapes me, old anacs ms63 or ms64
    A dramatic greese filled die on on obv obliterating most of the date ,the date me ,old anacs ms63 or ms64

    But as you can see just a few but I do enjoy them just don't really know how many are known to exist and to what extent are they sought after by collectors other than what VAM World reports.

    If you say so. You've chosen an odd way to engage with the Forum, if that's the case. You'd get more interest and participation by showing off the coins in your collection.

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    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 43,337 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @CivilWarBuff said:
    Dear Ikest,
    going from memory I own the following:
    1893-cc old anacs ms62 possibly PL
    1888-o VAM-1B4 H-10 old anacs ms62
    1881-s VAM-54B pcgs ogh ms63
    1890-CC VAM-4 Far Date, Tailbar Die gouge old anacs ms62 or ms63
    A dramatic strike thru of long string on obv in field, the date escapes me, old anacs ms63 or ms64
    A dramatic greese filled die on on obv obliterating most of the date ,the date me ,old anacs ms63 or ms64

    But as you can see just a few but I do enjoy them just don't really know how many are known to exist and to what extent are they sought after by collectors other than what VAM World reports.

    If they are of interest to you, it shouldn't matter what others think of them. I think that's Ikes point. Once you start asking about demand, you're talking more about price than your personal interest level.

    I prefer to collect things that are of interest to me and no one else. Lol. It's much cheaper.

    Take the SVDB cent. Boring coin with a high demand. I don't want one. I'd much rather have a nice 1909 VDB or even 1909 no VDB at a fraction of the cost. But that's me. Others would rather have a VG SVDB than an MS65 1909.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

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    CivilWarBuffCivilWarBuff Posts: 85 ✭✭
    edited October 31, 2026 7:49AM

    I would love to IkesT but I am no longer able to drag my photos as I once used to. I assume that when our hosts did that crazy update things changed. I also haven't gotten around to photographing all of the above due to time constraints.

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    IkesTIkesT Posts: 4,707 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @CivilWarBuff said:
    I would love to IkesT but I am no longer able to drag my photos as I once used to. I assume that when our hosts did that crazy update things changed. I also haven't gotten around to photographing all of the above due to time constraints.

    If you say so.

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    I agree with you, and I admit if my word "demand" didn't convey my intent that all I can do is correct the record. I am not a seller, I collect and keep forever or until I decide to move on to other areas.

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    @IkesT said:

    @CivilWarBuff said:
    I would love to IkesT but I am no longer able to drag my photos as I once used to. I assume that when our hosts did that crazy update things changed. I also haven't gotten around to photographing all of the above due to time constraints.

    If you say so.

    No comment

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    IkesTIkesT Posts: 4,707 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @CivilWarBuff said:
    I agree with you, and I admit if my word "demand" didn't convey my intent that all I can do is correct the record. I am not a seller, I collect and keep forever or until I decide to move on to other areas.

    This is the title of your previous thread:

    What are the truly rare Morgan Dollar varieties that command a healthy premium and are in demand?

    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1126309/what-are-the-truly-rare-morgan-dollar-varieties-that-command-a-healthy-premium-and-are-in-demand#latest

    If I were you, and I was genuinely looking for help and advice, I definitely wouldn't be doing whatever it is you're doing. As I advised you on your previous thread, take some time to think about how to improve your posts. It seems like you are playing a silly game with us, and it's wearing thin.

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    CivilWarBuffCivilWarBuff Posts: 85 ✭✭
    edited October 31, 2026 8:38AM

    What would the game be? I asked a simple direct question because I know there are many Morgan collectors here. And what do you mean by "us". I am part of your "us". If you do not like or trust my posts then don't read or reply. I have numerous small collections, some over 20 years and some new like Morgans. Why put members under a microscope assuming nefarious activity? Whose time am I wasting, obviously not yours since you seem to have plenty of it. So just settle down and enjoy this forum, it happens to be excellent, maybe not as great as it once was, but better than most. As to me, I enjoy reading the posts by the membership and am always learning. I wonder if you can honestly say that.
    As a song that I have gotten into by Ella Langley goes, "WHY ARE YOU SO JADED"?

    And if I can figure out the system here to drag coin pics from my photo bucket list I will , until then I stay stuck .

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    IkesTIkesT Posts: 4,707 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @CivilWarBuff said:
    If you do not like or trust my posts then don't read or reply.

    Be careful what you wish for; that might just be what happens. If you truly enjoy the Forum, why not be constructive instead of defensive; what do you think are some ways you could improve your posts?

    So just settle down and enjoy this forum, it happens to be excellent, maybe not as great as it once was, but better than most.

    Perhaps you were here previously, and under a different name?

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    CivilWarBuffCivilWarBuff Posts: 85 ✭✭
    edited October 31, 2026 9:36AM

    Like I said I am trying to figure out how to drag a photo otherwise I would have. But you seem to like changing the subject. I may have not posted as many times as you because I just retired but that shouldn't mean that any investigation is in order. Having 4700 posts should not cause one to be suspicious or disrespectful. I have been very kind and understanding with your posts. If you do not wish to read or reply to my posts then don't. And I will not stop by to post questions that I believe are not a waste of time. Can I be incorrect about what I feel is interesting, certainly, but nobody is perfect and nobody knows everything. I am in my 70's and I have been collecting civil war items for a long time. Morgan's are interesting, however the amount of VAMS imo are extremely vast, too many for me to ever consider. So I have picked a few that interested me. I would like to collect a couple more. But that is just one man's opinion.

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    lermishlermish Posts: 5,146 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @CivilWarBuff said:
    Like I said I am trying to figure out how to drag a photo otherwise I would have. But you seem to like changing the subject. I may have not posted as many times as you because I just retired but that shouldn't mean that any investigation is in order. Having 4700 posts should not cause one to be suspicious or disrespectful. I have been very kind and understanding with your posts. If you do not wish to read or reply to my posts then don't. And I will not stop by to post questions that I believe are not a waste of time. Can I be incorrect about what I feel is interesting, certainly, but nobody is perfect and nobody knows everything. I am in my 70's and I have been collecting civil war items for a long time. Morgan's are interesting, however the amount of VAMS imo are extremely vast, too many for me to ever consider. So I have picked a few that interested me. I would like to collect a couple more. But that is just one man's opinion.

    Oh brother, it's probably @Married2Coins back from the dead.

    chopmarkedtradedollars.com

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    Lermish,
    Whom ever that might be. I have read many of your posts and I think that they speak for themselves. I will continue asking questions with or without the 2 of you blabbering. I love this hobby and can put up with a couple of members like the two of you.
    So keep up your good work making crappy comments that do nothing positive on the forum.

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    IkesTIkesT Posts: 4,707 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @CivilWarBuff It appears that the name "Married2Coins" stopped you in your tracks for a bit there. That was a name I had certainly hoped never to hear again on this Forum...

    @CivilWarBuff said:
    What would the game be?

    A silly one. Not unlike the games @Married2Coins used to play.

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    CivilWarBuffCivilWarBuff Posts: 85 ✭✭
    edited October 31, 2026 11:05AM

    You seem to love to waste time. how about something constructive. How does one go about posting a photo of a coin. And if you cannot or are unwilling to tell me then I will contact pcgs tomorrow via email and hopefully learn. Much appreciated.

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    IkesTIkesT Posts: 4,707 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @CivilWarBuff said:
    You seem to love to waste time. how about something constructive. How does one go about posting a photo of a coin.

    You mean the way you posted them here back when you were using Photo Bucket? That type of posting goes way back, as I recall. They're not posted that way anymore and haven't been for some time (hence all of the broken Photo Bucket links seen on really old posts). You must have been around here longer than I realized. I guess your previous point about post count was a bit silly, wasn't it? You must have had quite a number of posts yourself. ;)

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    CivilWarBuffCivilWarBuff Posts: 85 ✭✭
    edited October 31, 2026 11:17AM

    Amazing , and i thought I made up a word for my photo bucket which I called on my end ie a bucket of photos and you turn that around on me too . Great don't help, my last exchange with you inspector Clauseau (hope I spelled that right). Don't you have better things to do on a Halloween Saturday than to find long lost members. When I was in school we had a name for your type, and you play the role obviously well. While you look for the banned I will look for interesting coins.
    Peace out as they say

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    Thank you gentleman for the help with posting pics.

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    MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 40,279 ✭✭✭✭✭

    there is a testing forum to learn to post pics.

    drag and drop is the easiest way

    unfortunately the critical ones here will just be bashing. shame

    collect what you like. post pics of what you like!

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
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    CivilWarBuffCivilWarBuff Posts: 85 ✭✭
    edited October 31, 2026 1:36PM

    Thank you MsMorrisine I just visited, the site, didn't know about it, and it helped. Also had a fellow member help me with it. It appears if anyone cares, one cannot drag it from my bucket or file of photos, but when I send a text with a photo to a member I can take that sent text photo and drag that photo over here to post. Sounds silly but that was how I pulled it off.
    Now I can have some fun.

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