Confessions Of A VAM-Aholic

I am a VAMaholic (first step confess your sins). I started down this path approximately one year ago at the urging and encouragement of SuperDave and Bryan. I do not regret that encouragement. Thanks guys!

Definition: [ VAM] Acronym derived from Van Allen/Mallis (the two pioneers who began this in 1969) and used to describe the die pairs used in minting Morgan/Peace silver dollars. Every Morgan/Peace dollar is a VAM. Most are very common and a select few are major rarities. (current listing at http://www.vamworld.com/Morgan+VAMs+By+Date)

Definition: [VAMaholic] One who spends nearly every waking moment at home dialed into ebay Morgan dollar listings; visits every coin show within a hundred miles armed with his/her quick reference book and 10x loupe; and visits brick and mortar shops on a regular basis armed with the reference and loupe.

When I began this journey I was completely ignorant of VAMs. I had heard the term but did not understand it. Then I began to realize there was a realistic opportunity to obtain Morgan/Peace rareties for my collection at reasonable prices because there are more VAM-ignorant sellers/collectors than there are VAM enthusiasts. I spent a lot of time on the linked VAM page. I identified some key VAMs and downloaded pics and descriptions, then created a personal reference book that I keep by my side when I search. It took a little time at first, but now I'm on cruise-control. My first passion was the 1878-P VAMs. These contain the highest density of rarities and folks seem unable/unwilling to take the effort to learn how to identify them. Next was the Super CD's (clashed dies) available on numerous dates/mints. And finally any VAM with a 6+ rarity and/or 5+ interest factor (from the link). From these I learned to focus on the "pick-up points or PUPS" on certain dates/mints. Now, when I look at an 1887-P I focus on the reverse "D" in Dollar looking for that "Donkey Tail"; an oval 'O' on an 1888-O; eye spikes and obverse die breaks on an 8TF 1878; a "funky feather" on the reverse of an 1878-S; and the list goes on.

Here's what I've acquired in the past year:
1878 8TF VAMs: VAM 9 (the first Morgan minted on Mar 11, 1878), VAM 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, and 23
1878 7/8TF VAMs: 31, 33, 36, 40
1878 7TF (B1 Rev-Long Nock): 80, 82, 84
1878 7TF (Rev of 78): 141, 162
1878 7TF (Rev of 79): 203
1878-S: VAM 36 (Dragon scales)
1880-P: VAM 6
1880-O: VAM 48 (Hangnail)
1886-P: VAM 1C
1888-O: VAM 21
1891-O: VAM 1A
1921-D: VAMs 1B1,1F, 1G, 1I and 6A

Peace VAMs
1925-P: VAM 5 (Missing Ray)
1926-S: VAM 4 (Extra Berry Reverse)
1934-D: VAM 3 (DDO, large D reverse)

I've also been within striking distance on the following VAMs, but was outbid or unable to bid: 1878 8TF VAM 14.8, 14.11 (posted on the variety thread after the ebay seller ended the auction early), 1888-O VAM 4 (Hot Lips), 1888-O VAM 24, and many others of lesser importance.

I post this here to possibly pique the interest of other Morgan/Peace dollar collectors who may be on the fence concerning VAMs. Make the leap ... it's good, clean fun and could be richly rewarding. If you have any questions on my "technique" sound off and I will gladly divulge how I do it.