Or do I???

VAM stands for Van Allan and Mallis, two well-known numismatists that study coins for variations, many of which cannot be seen without large magnification. Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis have written several books on coin varieties and are considered experts in their field. For Morgan Silver Dollar collectors, the variety or VAM for a coin can make a significant difference in the value of the coin.

When I first heard about Morgan Dollar VAM?s, I thought it was most absurd. Who cares about different ?varieties? of the same date?!? When I started collecting coins, once I acquire a date and mintmark, I am done. Right? Why do you need more than one coin for the same date and mintmark? Don?t these people have anything better to do than to study coins under a microscope for hours on end looking for subtle variations? Taken to the extreme, every coin could be viewed as unique under a high powered microscope.

Who would pay a premium for a variety that goes by the name Spitting Eagle, Tail Bar, Gator Eye, Thorn Head, Mustache, Scar Face, Hot Lips, Donkey Tail, Hangnail, or Long Nock Reverse? Ok, maybe I would pay a small premium for Hot Lips. But what the heck is a long nock reverse? I guess I need to do some more reading.

The most popular Morgan Dollar date for VAM varieties is 1878-P, with over 200 varieties noted. Where will it all end? 300?400?or maybe 500 different VAM?s?

NGC recognizes many, but not all VAM varieties in its population report and registry. The most popular Morgan Silver Dollar VAM?s are grouped into two large categories called the Hot-50 and the Top-100, each having its own NGC registry set category. There are also several smaller categories within the Morgan Silver Dollar Registry that cover specific dates or varieties.

The question in my mind is this: Are VAM?s a legitimate separate category of collectible coins, or is collecting them just a silly pastime for those who have completed their basic sets and have nothing better to do? With no offense to VAM collectors, who as a group tend to be very dedicated and enthusiastic in their pursuit of coin varieties, I tend to lean towards the later. But, then again, I have done more than a few silly things in my life?and my Morgan dollar collections are almost done?and I do have some spare time right now?and my son does have a microscope?oh no?here I go again!!

The picture is of my favorite VAM from my collection. A rare-date non-CC GSA dollar 1878-P VAM 41A ? pop 1/1 (right now). If only I could find a few more like this!! Still looking?