Newb To VAMs. Which Coin Should I Start With?

The VAM Encyclopedia is an absolutely invaluable resource for inside knowledge on the minting process and general VAM subtypes; it's the best money you can spend on a VAM. What it isn't is an authoritative resource on extant VAMs, because a couple thousand more have been identified since it was published. It will most definitely teach you the attribution process, far better than any other resource because when you're done you'll know why in addition to what. That will allow you to make reasonable conclusions about new things you're looking at, whether it's a feature or postmint damage, for instance. VAMworld is the only real depository of current VAM information, but you have to understand the sheer size of the effort and cope with the fact that we're still decades from having anything remotely resembling "complete" understanding of the varieties.

If you find your attention divided between the book and VAMworld when evaluating a given Morgan, you're doing it right.

I was bitten by the VAM bug a while back and it's kind of an addiction now. With the coins you have I would start with the O mints first. Yes I agree that higher graded coins are easier to attribute and may bring more when trying to sell but don't leave the lower graded ones behind, there is always a treasure to be found in a junk silver box at a show. Some lower graded coins still have enough detail to be able to pick. As you learn more you get better at picking you notice more then you think. I started with the Top 100, which does contain a few stoppers, and have done well with it. You may find that your 82-O and 83-O may be in it. Knowledge is the key with this VAM thing and of course plenty of aspirin....

That's aspirin for the headaches but what is good for the addiction is picking a VAM or in other words a "fix". I have to have a fix now and then to keep going, so off to the Dalton Ga. show this weekend. I need a fix this weekend!!