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 Replies: 14 / Views: 1,328 |
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Valued Member
United States
179 Posts |
Maybe someday I'll be able to answer a question, but in the meantime... I've acquired a 1890-CC Morgan. I have 5 days left in my return window, and in looking at the mintmark I'm wondering... The CC isn't even. The first C is riding higher than the second. The scan isn't the greatest, but it will give an idea of what I'm talking about. Opinions wanted.  |
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Pillar Of The Community
3147 Posts |
I have had quite a few Carson City Morgan dollars in my lifetime and have seen some very poor mint marks! Back then they were punched into the die so they did and do vary greatly from die to die. I am sure there will be someone here who can give you a much better idea concerning the authenticity of your coin. If nothing else get the coin weighed. That seperates most counterfeits from the classic original coins. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
954 Posts |
That is exactly the way the CC should look on a VAM 4. That is a Top 100 Tail Bar. Great coin, wish it was mine!!  |
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Valued Member
 United States
179 Posts |
In addition to someday perhaps being able to answer a question, there remains the possibility that someday I'll read the posts in some of the other categories before I post myself...
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Valued Member
United States
179 Posts |
Knowing myself, I imagine I'm going to regret the following question... In general, what is meant by VAM and can you point me in the direction to get details? |
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
867 Posts |
VAM stands for Van Allen and Mallis- two guys who catalogued the many many different Morgan die varieties out there. There's a nice little book called "The VAM Keys", and it has pictures and price guides for the most popular varieties. Unless you're totally smitten by VAMs, this book should do. There's a much larger unabridged version, but it's probably more information than a VAM beginner needs. That and it's heavy enough to make a good doorstop...  Check your local coin shop- if they don't have it they might be able to order it for you. Rachel 
Edited by Kyra
02/27/2007 7:34 pm
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
quote:
In general, what is meant by VAM and can you point me in the direction to get details?
VAM's are the varieties of Morgan dollars, as catalogued by Van Allen and Mallis. They identified every variety they could, and the process is still ongoing with Leroy Van Allen (Mr. Mallis has passed away) still certifying new VAM's every day. There are over 4,000 VAM's now, covering every single Morgan ever minted. Some VAM's are worth very large premiums over "regular" coins of the same date/mintmark. You have one of those VAM's. Look here: http://vamworld.wikispaces.com/1890-CC+VAM-4Last month, two ANACS XF45 1890-CC Morgans sold at Heritage, on the same night. The "regular" one went for $126.50. The VAM-4 went for $373.75. See what I mean?  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
954 Posts |
Let's start with VAM. It is an acronym for 2 men, Van Allen & Mallis. They wrote a book about Morgan and Peace die marriages. Every dollar is a VAM, just some of them are really cool. That bar that is running from the arrows to the wreath on your Morgan is a die gouge. A really neat, big die gouge. Start with http://vamworld.wikispaces.com/Morg...By+Date then sneak over to Ashmore.com and check out the pictures for the updates. Then let me know and I'll give you some more to check out. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
954 Posts |
Good grief, I'm slow  |
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Valued Member
United States
179 Posts |
Before I go much further...
How deep is the rabbit hole?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
954 Posts |
 There is no bottom......  |
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Rest in Peace
Australia
661 Posts |
If you get stuck, we'll send down a ferret |
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
At some forums, collectors with newbie questions get ignored or ridiculed. Here, we bury them in rabbit holes, covered by cubic feet of information. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2254 Posts |
Mathman, great coin.
Becky and Superdave, you folks are tremendous. Most people can just read this forum and learn "cubic tons" of info without ever posting. Just wanted to thank you guys for the willingness to help everyone at any time. Not hijacking the thread, just needed to say it....
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Replies: 14 / Views: 1,328 |
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Posted 02/27/2007 7:21 pm
