Two Morgan Dollasrs From A Pawn Store - Opinions Requested

I think you did very well for the price you paid.

The 1889 is probably mid to high AU but could be low MS. The marks on the obverse around the chin/cheek areas are hard to see clearly and will probably be what determines where it would land on the grading scale.

The 1880 has some breast wear on the reverse and some more marks on the face that bring it down. Probably EF 40 - 45 depending on the severity of the obverse marks.

I also agree with the previous poster - always be sure to check your Morgans at VAMWorld.com. A little error can make a big difference in value.

I'd say the 1889 probably gets $25-$35 on ebay, perhaps a little higher with good photos while the 1880 goes for $20 - $30.

About right , You Did Not Over Pay .

Checking VAM varieties will also strengthen your knowledge of the Morgan's design and strike features and your ability to spot counterfeits and altered date/mm coins. It's an excellent educational tool.

Thank you all for your comments and opinions.

so...i took your suggestions, of searching for a VAM designation...

wow....

what a project....

i viewed about 30 of the 1880P listed VAM designations..

i can say that my 1880P does not match the description of the "normal die"...but I also have not found any other designation - that matches it - ether...(what a project)...

I applaud you dbralec! Just by taking the time to do this, shows a level of collecting interest not seen by many in the hobby. Now all Morgan and Peace dollars have a VAM designation, however only a few are worth a good premium, I'd narrow my searches (in the future) down to TOP 100 or Hot 50 listed coins. This is where you find a coin at a price like you paid and are able to flip it to a collector or dealer for a substantial profit, or at least a profit.

VAMming can be a fun hobby in itself. I often do this and Overton half dollars, Sheldon, Newcomb with Large cents, Cohen with Half Cents on unlisted high quality auction photos at sites like Heritage, Stack's/Bowers, Goldman. Learn some and enjoy looking at coins I probably will never be able to afford. I'm also lucky to live near Heritage Auctions so I go to their office for in hand auction viewing as often as I can too. Never turn up a chance to register for bidding at a major coin show and spend some time at auction lot viewing seeing coins in hand with time to study them yourself.

Getting a copy of the TOP 100 book is helpful when making rounds at shops, though you don't really want to let the owners know what you are doing, I'd suggest going in seeing what they have first, taking note of dates and mint marks, then step away refresh your memory on the ones to look at again search your notes then make your purchases. You can do this easy enough by writing down the list, saying you need to check it against your list of coins you already have.

Also don't overlook coins that already may have a VAM listed for it, many times they are NOT correct. I've seen a $5K score picked up that way. A VAM listed as 1878-P VAM 33 was actually a VAM 44 (one of the most expensive and rarest VAMs known)

Glad to see you are trying your best on the VAMs it's not easy to learn, but like most things - with practice it becomes easier and pays off.

If you really want a challenge, look to 1878-P and 1921 Morgans.

Well done.