Morgan 1885-P Die Crack Dbl. Stars - Coin Community Forum

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Author	Replies: 6 / Views: 2,051
hemisboats Valued Member United States 461 Posts	Posted 12/01/2009 4:24 pm This is a newly discovered VAM which I just discovered. Note the die cracks throughout the left stars and through the E up thruough Liberty's head and crown. Also note the die line where the chin and neck meet there are other VAMs see if you can find them. Thank you, Report this Post to the Staff

biokemist6 Bedrock of the Community United States 12437 Posts	Posted 12/01/2009 4:44 pm You can't really call something a newly discovered VAM unless Leroy van Allen says so, he has the final word on those matters. The way you are using the term makes me think that you misunderstand the meaning. The VAM system is used to catalog die varieties and die stages/states for Morgan and Peace dollars. Every dollar has a VAM number(an individual coin can only have one VAM number) but not all VAMs are interesting or valuable. Things like common die cracks are not enough for a VAM designation but die cracks can be used to attribute a VAM. You might want to check out VAMworld for more info. As for your photo, it is much too small to see that it is anything besides a generic Morgan dollar, I cannot even read the date. The "die line" you mention at the apex of the neck is a clash mark from the eagle's wing. Report this Post to the Staff
SeatedNut Pillar of the Community United States 2797 Posts	Posted 12/01/2009 9:46 pm hemisboats, ditto bio's explanation. But don't give up. It's a fun part of numismatics. By definition a VAM is the distinct marriage of two die pairs (obverse and reverse) and is assigned a number. If something significant happens to the die during the minting process and maintenance/repair (polishing, gouges, significant cracking, etc.) a new VAM is designated. This numbering system was intended to follow the progression of the die from first use to retirement. Currently only Leroy VanAllen (the godfather) makes these new designations. His intention back in the 60's and 70's through today was to catalog every significant die pair in the Morgan and Peace dollar series. His understanding of die progression is nothing less than phenomenal. When you discuss VAMs, you are talking about the entire coin. Individual features of the die marriage are not called VAMs. We call these features/characteristics/PUPs (Pick-up Points) used to identify the die marriage. I understand where you picked up the lingo. There are several sellers on ebay who mistakenly refer to features as VAMs. Report this Post to the Staff
SsuperDdave Moderator United States 23522 Posts	Posted 12/02/2009 12:44 am Here's the coin in question: Report this Post to the Staff
hemisboats Valued Member United States 461 Posts	Posted 12/02/2009 07:54 am thank you super Dave! My high-speed Internet is supposed to be turned on tomorrow! Tomorrow cannot come soon enough! Let me know what you guys think about it? Report this Post to the Staff
ocsjr2001 Valued Member United States 133 Posts	Posted 12/02/2009 4:05 pm Die cracks are not enough to get it listed, once it turns into a die break with metal swelling up out of it, then Leroy will list it. On die clashes it needs to transfer a letter otherwise he won't list that either. Report this Post to the Staff
Ozland Pillar of the Community United States 709 Posts	Posted 12/12/2009 10:11 pm I am fairly certain your coin is a 1885-P VAM 1. Check out the pictures of VAM 1 on VAMWorld. Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 6 / Views: 2,051

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