1888-S VAM-3a1 off eBay

[jtlee321]

It's been a loooong time since I've been in here and posted anything. But I found this spectacular looking 1888-S VAM-3a1 that I thought I should share with you all. The clashing is gorgeous, but the contrast is what really makes this a beauty. Heavy die polish lines on the obverse and reverse. I've shared this privately with @messydesk and I will be sending it to him to study. I'd love to hear any of your opinions on it.

1888-S-Morgan-Dollar-PCGS-MS-63-VAM-3a1.jpg (137.55 KiB) Viewed 2438 times

1888-S-Morgan-Dollar-Obverse-JLNP.jpg (313.18 KiB) Viewed 2438 times

1888-S-Morgan-Dollar-Reverse-JLNP.jpg (301.27 KiB) Viewed 2438 times

Obverse-Clash-Detail-1-SM.jpg (279 KiB) Viewed 2438 times

Obverse-Clash-Detail-2-SM.jpg (253.46 KiB) Viewed 2438 times

[messydesk]

Great high-contrast clash, and I can't wait to see it!

[jtlee321]

It's amazing in that it's not deep, but when the light hits it just right, it pops! I'm curious as to how soon after those dies clashed, this coin was struck. I don't think it could not have been too long.

I'll try to get this out to you next week. Should I use the address from your site?

[messydesk]

It's amazing in that it's not deep, but when the light hits it just right, it pops! I'm curious as to how soon after those dies clashed, this coin was struck. I don't think it could not have been too long.

I'll try to get this out to you next week. Should I use the address from your site?

Yes

[ljs123]

Great VAM
Not many of those in MS.
Congratulations

Now that I think about it, not many have shown up regardless of grade.

[JASONKFLO]

Wow sweet coin . I have one in AU-55 looks prooflike .

[blh74]

I have a 1878 S V49 with very similar die polishing. On the obverse only, and no clash marks. I will send mine to Messydesk for his opinion. Thanks for sharing your coin.

[keilg1]

BOOM! What a great find.

The abrasive polishing seen from the San Fran mint most years looked liked an early version of "anger management" than anything to me...

I have an 86-S with some great polishing lines but nothing like yours. And that clash is fantastic...

#openlyjealous

[fogie]

That is a really cool find! Good on you!!!!

[jtlee321]

I have a 1878 S V49 with very similar die polishing. On the obverse only, and no clash marks. I will send mine to Messydesk for his opinion. Thanks for sharing your coin.

BOOM! What a great find.

The abrasive polishing seen from the San Fran mint most years looked liked an early version of "anger management" than anything to me...

I have an 86-S with some great polishing lines but nothing like yours. And that clash is fantastic...

#openlyjealous

The sellers images showed the die polish lines which is what initially drew my attention to the coin. I love the look of heavy die polish, such as that found on the 1903 V-1a. I then noticed that the coin had a gold shield and new there was a TV taken of it. So I checked it out over on PCGS. That's when I saw the clashing.

Sellers pics:

1888-S Slab Front Sellers.jpeg (122.56 KiB) Viewed 2371 times

1888-S Slab Back Sellers.jpeg (119.91 KiB) Viewed 2371 times

PCGS Truview:

1888-S-PCGS-Trueview-SM.jpg (133.68 KiB) Viewed 2371 times

[PickNGrin]

NICE PICK! NEED TO USE THIS COIN FOR THE VW PHOTO.

[messydesk]

NICE PICK! NEED TO USE THIS COIN FOR THE VW PHOTO.

Can't use PCGS TrueViews in this manner.

[JASONKFLO]

if anyone needs pics for the page I can gladly send mine in as well. It has a nice clash with nice letter transfer though not like the true view pics on this one.

[PickNGrin]

NICE PICK! NEED TO USE THIS COIN FOR THE VW PHOTO.

Can't use PCGS TrueViews in this manner.

Hi John,

I meant the coin not the photo. Pic on VW is not that clear.

[lured_in_again]

What a great looking clash.... I like it!

[messydesk]

NICE PICK! NEED TO USE THIS COIN FOR THE VW PHOTO.

Can't use PCGS TrueViews in this manner.

Hi John,

I meant the coin not the photo. Pic on VW is not that clear.

I figured you did, but I just wanted to make it clear not to use TrueViews in general. I'll shoot some pictures when I get it.

[Mhomei]

Awesome.congrats.you suck

[LateDateMorganGuy]

This is a tuff die stage in this die marriage. You should go play the lottery!!!

[...kenny]

Been a LONG time, too long! Missed having your input. Welcome back!! The VAM rocks too...kenny

For those of you that don't know Mr. Lee, he is one of the founders of VW 1.0 and a VAMmers VAMmer...

[dave700x]

Wow! Great pick and pic Jet!