1882 - Dubious VAM 2 - Did I find it?

[MarkyB]

Tonight was what I call a go-back night. Relook at what I couldn't match previously. Nice new guides to help zero me in so I thought; this is gonna be successful. No match using the guides. I then opened each VAM and still no luck. I'm about to give up and I notice the dubious listings and lo and behold, the Mallis VAM 2. I knew my 2 was much more open at the tail than any other and had looked for an Open 2 listing. I then noticed in the description the "thin 2" and I look closer. Yea it is skinny and the upper (serif?) gap is considerably wider than most too. The 1E2 and 1H VAMs mentioned in the VAM 2 comments aren't even close. Opinions appreciated.

[MarkyB]

More photos. Notice crack below and to the left of ribbon. I know i know....

[keilg1]

Can't be a VAM-2 because you have at least a doubled 82. Keep looking!

[Albannach]

Check the crack pattern. 1E, 1H, 15 30 for the obverse.
I used to call the 2 cracks at the neck 15, but the pages are not what they were.
The VAM 14 exists. Good luck finding one...

[MarkyB]

Thanks Albannach. I'll pick this back up later tonight and report back.

[MarkyB]

So much to say and where to start?? None of the VAM PuPs for the VAMs Albannach suggested match. I'll try to be brief.

Summary First - best put in JB's hand in the future. That's easy so no qualms there. I still believe its VAM 2/thin open 2.

I saw the changes to the inside upper right wing during my inital post but explained it away as PMD. I'm not so sure anymore. As JB suggested somewhere, I'm trying to get better at using a loupe vs scope. Under a loupe, it all looks natural but I don't know how to read light reflections sooo....There appears to be a hole in that wedged/scalloped area. The area to the left just doesn't seem random enough to be PMD and runs along the wing crease. Like etching or carving.

The base of the 1 is spiked. Stays visible as I move the light around. Sawdust?

Lastly, I realize we don't put much stock in open and closed numbers. You would be hard pressed to convince me this one, as described by Mr. Mallis, isn't thinner and more open than any other VAM listed. However, I now realize I can't see all the collected data. Pictures attached for your viewing pleasure. Always willing to add more if requested.

[keilg1]

Looking forward to learning what this is.



The 82-P coins are full of doubled date digits which kinda makes it a fun series. All I know is your coin doesn't match my VAM-32 discovery coin.

[Albannach]

Full coiin Obv and rev pls

[MarkyB]

Sorry but just don't have the proper equipment. Perhaps later I'll see if I can get something useful out of my cell phone.

[Albannach]

No worries. Show me the reverse cracks. Zoom out some so I can see the crack development. Sorry I'm a bit rusty and dusty over here. I recognize them, I just can;t place it exactly. Show me more crack....pls.

[UNCLE BINGO]

How about eye, neck, lips , tail feathers . and any clashing ???

[MarkyB]

Full coin photos turned out sweet but won't attach. Too large I guess. My scope just doesn't zoom out but I've attached all of the reverse cracks. UB - no clashes. Other parts you mentioned are unremarkable. Even LIBERTY is relatively clean.

[MarkyB]

Got 'em!

[MarkyB]

I've been able to match up some reverse Pups with VAM 1H (Star to U crack) and VAM 15 UTF bump and back corner of upper arrowhead. Neither Obv even close.

[Albannach]

Without my coins for reference and due to the current state of these pages...I'm at a loss
I know I had an LFPC of those cracks on here at some point...sigh

For now I'll say send it to John Roberts at ANACS for attribution. I doubt he'll say VAM 1 ...(tik)