PCGS Labels

The intent is for this to be true. The Thornheads are later stages of the same die designated as VAM-1; VAM-1A has been discovered to be a VAM-6 die and name-altered appropriately. I suspect the Thornheads will eventuallly be matched to another existing die pair, and move to that number.

Don't forget, for all the thousands upon thousands of coins that Van Allen and Malis examined, they still began this effort with only a very small percentage of the extant population. One may assume they realized all along that changes would have to be made as research expanded.

I contend that an important step in the progress of VAMming will be the elimination of the concept of "VAM-1, Normal Die." To my mind, "VAM-1" could only be the very first die pair employed in a given year, and that information is not available in most instances.

Heck, the only "first die pair" I know to be identified is 1878-P, and that's VAM-9.

I went back to just straight melatonin for tonight to see if it will help me sleep until I can get my doctor to call me back to advise me on what I should do since it seems I did something last night that I don't even remember doing. its quite scary when you think about it because there is no telling what I could have done last night especially since I now live alone

Slick, I don't think that rarity is a prerequisite for being a Top 100 or a Hot 50 coin. (At least it isn't supposed to be). I really have no idea what rationale was used when choosing the coins on those lists, I think that you will find, that coins with interesting or unusual features will make those sorts of lists before rare Plain Janes will.

The 14.2 that you have may be considered common in relationship to other 8TF varieties, but compare 8TF to other years and mints, and the term 'common' shifts in perspective. I have always thought of 8TF as being very special in the vast sea of Morgan varieties, and yours is one very nice looking 8TF.

edited for spelling.

You very well may do just that slick, but it will require a great deal of effort on a personal level coupled with mentoring from folks like you are blessed with here on this forum. They are selfless in their sharing of the knowledge that they struggled to acquire, and I really think that they remember those who in turn, mentored them. Take advantage of these folks while you can. I believe that this dark corner of numismatics is filled with contradictions, stumbling blocks and smoke and mirrors. Do not give up in disgust and frustration as I have, you will eventually arrive at your destination, but it will take time.

You mean Peace dollars have Vams too!

Don't get me started on Peace dollars.

there was a post just a day or so ago with the question of the numbering system, and if say VAM 1, and 1A are supposed to be linked, meaning are they the same die or say half die marriage,,,and in theory YES, however its not always so. many times there are assigned VAM progressions where there is not a direct link, and I think these vams were assigned at an early point in VAM assignments....before true VAM progressions were truely studied....I can't point to a specific example right now, and its not rampant, there is a pretty good accounting in general, there are errors, and new revisions are taking place as we speak...