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 Replies: 20 / Views: 3,831 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
814 Posts |
Poll Question
So I spend like the last 5 hrs in this part ofthe forum an I think I may hve the VAM bug. I already love Morgans and this is like a whole new side to them. I dont have any books yet and am about to start searching for online references, anyone have a suggestion? (Other than VamWorld. I headed there soon). I cant get photos to upload from my phone so sorry no pictures. I would like to try to attributes the morgans and Peace dollar I have but I can't decide where to start so vote for which of these coins you would start with. Any other suggestions or comments are welcome.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3076 Posts |
nice topic, but I would ask, as a new member who knows nothing of VAM's...could I think of only a few years to collect when they are all VAM' s? or should I ask,,,,,,,of the coins I have, are these VAM's collectable?/  |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
814 Posts |
Wll from what I understand, all morgan and Peace dollars have a VAM, so I figured Id either see what mine are and then see if it collectible. If they are Vams that havent been given a number yet, then I'm just helping reasearch. I just want to know whats these are. I'm keeping them all regardless of which VAM they are, so they are all collectible to me. :-) |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2797 Posts |
Quote:Wll from what I understand, all morgan and Peace dollars have a VAM Actually all Morgan and Peace dollars are VAMs. VAM is an acronym for the originators of the die pair cataloging, Leroy Van Allen and George Mallis. Characteristics of the die state dictate which VAM number is assigned. These characteristics are called PUPs or pick-up points. They can include missing, polished, and/or altered features; clashing; die-doubling; etc. I didn't offer an opinion in your poll because I don't know your motivation for becoming a Vammer. Is it to collect a complete year group, Top 100, Hot 50 and so on. Without a plan you can definitely become overwhelmed and financially drained. As far as resources (books) check out the offerings from Logan Mckecknie on Vamsandmore. He offers just about all needed references to supplement the VAMWorld online material. |
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Rest in Peace
United States
10625 Posts |
I would start with your New Orleans mint Morgans. That mint had a knack for producing some interesting varieties. I would also suggest you first read Vamworlds attribution101 and SsuperDdaves sticky note on VAMs on this site. It may spare you some frustration trying to chase down something you see on one of your coins.
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Rest in Peace
United States
637 Posts |
I personally would choose one of the Morgans.. to me they seem easier to attribute.. I am with Dave700x that the New Orleans coins would be a good place to start! The 1896 could be easy just in terms of grade... some coins get very difficult to attribute with some wear... Aside from that, 1889 had some neat ones. 1883o would maybe be good too, just because while trying to attribute one, you may accidentally stumble upon a listing of the other! I'd start with the 83Os personally. Find any clashing on the coins?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7840 Posts |
Another collector bitten by the VAM bug! I put together a nice little set of VAM Morgan Mint Marks (CC,D,O,P & S) and the 1921-D is my favorite. https://goccf.com/t/148225Edited by oih82w8
07/10/2013 2:27 pm
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Of the bunch, you're probably going to have the easiest time with the 1896 or the two higher-grade New Orleans issues. VAMming lower-grade coins can be frustrating, because some of the relevant markers might be worn away.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3076 Posts |
I agree with the above, however it must be understood, that depending upon the year, THINGS can really go WILD...LOOK at the first year 1778 P alone...Philadelphia,,,over 230 error's.... FIRST and foremost.....  DRACULA's dead but you've been bitten by the VAM BUG..... Personally it does take time to learn a lot of the VAM thingy's....but if you have the time "Knowledge..KEY"...to the understanding of .....JUST WHAT is collectable and what is not.... I think this is the Crux of your first post..... Just as you wonder what is and is not...there are those among us, Ancient Druid Magic of Vamming which can shine the path of understanding upon you.... Actually the druids are gone and us Vammers are HERE to stay to help you out if you have any questions....    Gene |
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Pillar of the Community
743 Posts |
Start with highest grade first and then look for the ones that have fewer vams to look through so you can get used to looking them up. Don't try doing an 1878 until you really know what you are doing. I would go 1896, 1883 -O, 1882-O because they are higher grades. Then I would look at the 1891 because there are only 20 or so vams. Good luck with figuring out the vams. Let us know if you need any help.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
814 Posts |
Thank you for th advice everyone. Its sounds like I have quite a journey.
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Pillar of the Community
743 Posts |
Did you figure any of them out yet?
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Rest in Peace
United States
10625 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3076 Posts |
The first thing that is a miss conception, is:... a year and grade.........the first is the year... Each year has a multitude, of VAM's... some year's 20 or less and then some year's over 200...... Then there is the grade issue......always the highest grade for any, VAM or non VAM will bring the most money.. AS far as Known VAM's are concerned.....grade is always a consideration....but one doesn't figure out from from the reverse annalisis...... |
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
I think we need to raise a search party to go into VAMworld after him.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
814 Posts |
Well Istarted reading on VamWorld, but some of the pages wont load on my phone. I ordered the VAM book 4 th edition. Hopefully that will give me a bit of info before I start drowning in vams. I am about to go through SDs stickys on vams. I have a big road trip this weekend so hopefully I can get someresearch done while I'm on the road. I believe I will start attributing my coins in the order suggested by 7TF. |
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Replies: 20 / Views: 3,831 |
Posted 07/10/2013 06:19 am
