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Peace and Morgan Dollar VAM

1902-O possible die-crack or VAM, or are they the same?

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basicbob101
Pillar Of The Community

USA
544 Posts

Posted 03/15/2010 4:59 pm

Is a die-crack a VAM? or an Error?

What ever it is, is this a die-crack? Begins just above the bottom point of the neck, runs just under the serif of the "1", across the 1 into the field between the 1 and 9, across the middle of the enclosed part of the 9 and on toward the 0 and the center of the O.

had to play with the lighting to get it to show in a pic, but readily viewable with a 5x loop. opinions please.

"Basic research is what I am doing when I don't know what I am doing" Dr. Wernher von Braun, rocket scientist

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JimR
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Coin Community Supporter Supporter!

USA
1383 Posts

Posted 03/15/2010 8:00 pm

Its definitely a die crack. Die cracks are not considered mint errors. Die cracks often are used to help with a VAM attribution. Check out http://www.vamworld.com/ and you may be able to narrow down your search and see if this 1902-O is a particular VAM.

Well let me rephrase that all Morgans are a VAM it just depends on which one it is.

I am sure some of the VAM experts will chime in.

JimR

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SeatedNut
Pillar Of The Community

United States
1958 Posts

Posted 03/16/2010 08:27 am

Yes every Morgan and Peace dollar is a VAM. They are catalogued by die marriage. As the die changed through mint adjustments, wear, etc., coins struck form these adjusted dies may earn a separate designation from the master die pair depending on the severity of the change. The hobby depends on one man to make the call ... Leroy VanAllen or LVA in the VAM community.

Normally die cracks do not earn a separate designation (1921 is an exception year). They are fairly common and the mint did not remove the dies from service due to simple cracks. As the die deteriorated further, cracks became breaks and metal was displaced ... die breaks usually earn their own designation and the mint would remove these from service. How do you distinguish between a crack and a break? Look for lumps of metal along the fault line. That void in the die had to fill with something ... in this case it was silver alloy.

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basicbob101
Pillar Of The Community

USA
544 Posts

Posted 03/16/2010 08:58 am

Thanksz for the info. Does this crack (which seems to be very minor) make the coin of any special interest? I will be putting it on ebay shortly, will include the photo of the crack just any case it deters someone from wanting it, but does it enhance the coin for certain collectors? When I bought it on ebay it was not described as having a die crack, maybe the other seller didn't see it but I feel it should be mentioned no matter if it is a good thing or bad thing.

"Basic research is what I am doing when I don't know what I am doing" Dr. Wernher von Braun, rocket scientist

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SeatedNut
Pillar Of The Community

United States
1958 Posts

Posted 03/16/2010 09:37 am

Quote:
Thanksz for the info. Does this crack (which seems to be very minor) make the coin of any special interest? I will be putting it on ebay shortly, will include the photo of the crack just any case it deters someone from wanting it, but does it enhance the coin for certain collectors? When I bought it on ebay it was not described as having a die crack, maybe the other seller didn't see it but I feel it should be mentioned no matter if it is a good thing or bad thing.

I wouldn't make special mention of it. Grading companies won't factor it in an assigned grade. If you want to make sure it's known to the potential bidder, just capture it in one of the photos for the auction. There are some out there who look for these and that may spur them to place a bid.

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aladinslamp
Pillar Of The Community

United States
831 Posts

Posted 03/17/2010 12:22 pm

try vam 51A looks like a match

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aladinslamp
Pillar Of The Community

United States
831 Posts

Posted 03/17/2010 12:29 pm

just be sure to verify,the 51 or 51A attributes as your pictures hide a lot, but its a good place to start......

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basicbob101
Pillar Of The Community

USA
544 Posts

Posted 03/18/2010 9:03 pm

will look at that one, post more pics of the VAM 51; 51A characteristics on my coin if they are there

"Basic research is what I am doing when I don't know what I am doing" Dr. Wernher von Braun, rocket scientist

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remmy1100
Valued Member

United States
88 Posts

Posted 03/30/2010 2:35 pm

Someone else has the 02-O attribution guide. LOL

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basicbob101
Pillar Of The Community

USA
544 Posts

Posted 04/03/2010 11:52 am

I am in over my head, can't find anything resembling the numbers 51 or 51A in my VAM book.

"Basic research is what I am doing when I don't know what I am doing" Dr. Wernher von Braun, rocket scientist

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SuperDave
Moderator

Coin Community Supporter Supporter!

USA
6183 Posts

Posted 04/03/2010 3:11 pm

Close to half of known VAM's have been discovered since the last edition of the VAM book. Not a surprise - that's why VAMworld is so important.

Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and good with mustard.

Look at some of my collection or Join the Coin Community Frappr!
I own Australian coins, too.

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aladinslamp
Pillar Of The Community

United States
831 Posts

Posted 04/03/2010 4:31 pm

just go to vamworld.com and (on the left of the screen,,,click on
morgan vams by date,, choose your year,,,,vam 51 and 51A pictiures can be found there......

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