Is this a VAM?

[Brotherman]

I was talking with someone about VAMs, so I grabbed my two MS Morgans and checked them over. On one I saw this:

 

IS it a VAM??

 

Oh, and I found this too:

 

YIKES

Darn hitchhiker...

 

Hays

[cpm9ball]

Hays, you can find many with the filled-die chip between the loops of the "8". In most cases, there are other aspects to be considered when attributing a VAM. A filled-die chip, by itself, is not usually classified unless it is a major error. It would help if you could provide full-view photos of the obverse and reverse. You know, the mintmark does make a difference.

 

Does the third photo show the area between the "N" & "I" of UNITED? It looks like a pimple to me.

 

Chris

[Brotherman]

Hays, you can find many with the filled-die chip between the loops of the "8". In most cases, there are other aspects to be considered when attributing a VAM. A filled-die chip, by itself, is not usually classified unless it is a major error. It would help if you could provide full-view photos of the obverse and reverse. You know, the mintmark does make a difference.

 

Does the third photo show the area between the "N" & "I" of UNITED? It looks like a pimple to me.

 

Chris

 

Oh, I thought ANY little o' thing besides a die clash or crack might make it a VAM. I collect F & VF Morgans for a year set and an odd toned one now and then - I only have two. But I don't know anything about VAMs. What other things should I generally look for?

 

That little "pimple" is reacting with my coin! Stupid pimple.

 

Hays

[MunkyMan95]

VAM's can be all over a coin... from a doubled date, to random raised parts of the metal of the coin. There's not usually a spot where VAMs occur. You just sort of scan the whole coin with a loupe and see what you find. Clashes, die gouges, die cracks, etc.

[Brotherman]

VAM's can be all over a coin... from a doubled date, to random raised parts of the metal of the coin. There's not usually a spot where VAMs occur. You just sort of scan the whole coin with a loupe and see what you find. Clashes, die gouges, die cracks, etc.

 

Oh, I see.

Well then I don't think I have one.

Rats

 

Hays

[MunkyMan95]

You might have one. It really is hard to tell sometimes.

[Brotherman]

I'll see if I can get a good pic or scan...

 

Hays

[BankNote1]

If you are intgerested in Morgan Dollar VAMS you need to get the 500+ page book! "Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan & Peace Dollars" by Leroy Van Allan & George Mallis!

There are thousands of VAM's but only a couple hundred that have any added value to the coin.

[Brotherman]

Here are some scans of my entire collection of MS Morgans:

 

Not sure if you can tell much.

 

Hays

[MAULEMALL]

Man I tried to help but getting thru that georgous toning is tough.

I was turned on to this SITE and it has addicted me.

[Brotherman]

Man I tried to help but getting thru that georgous toning is tough.

I was turned on to this SITE and it has addicted me.

 

Ooo - that site does look interesting. Thanks Maul!

 

Hays

[SuperDave]

You be careful with these VAMs. They're addictive - you need occasional perspective to keep from being assimilated. I wouldn't know how to help you with that, because I'm already a hopeless crack addict.

[Brotherman]

You be careful with these VAMs. They're addictive - you need occasional perspective to keep from being assimilated. I wouldn't know how to help you with that, because I'm already a hopeless crack addict.

 

I just CAN'T get interested in another thing...

so Ill get watch and lean for now.

 

 

i hope.

 

Hays