I guess it has to be a VAM 1?

[lured_in_again]

Got my submission back from ANACS recently. As usual, pleased with their service and grading. I sent in an 1891 o that came back AU 58 and plan to add it to my registry. In my study of the 91 o Morgans, I found this particular coin to be the same die pair as VAM 1B, but prior to the pitting event. So is it VAM 1B EDS.... or it reverts (or is it preverts - LOL) back to VAM 1? It would upgrade my VAM 1 slot, but not my VAM 1B slot...... just guessing the concensus will be VAM 1 as we don't need to split more listings into die states. thanks, Jon

[vampicker]

Had I known, I'd have looked at it longer. But, yeah, this would be called a VAM 1. It does make for a good story. You can always put your own sticker on it

[HawkeEye]

Interesting note because of my last note from Leroy. Leroy concedes that VAM 1 might be mythical and not exist. I assume that his comment was more than the 1881-O series that I inquired about.

If we assume (as I do) that VAM 1 is "Exactly as intended by George Morgan" then that coin might not exist or might be a true anomaly.

I have just reviewed all the coins we had classified over the years as VAM 1 in the 1881-O series and concluded that Leroy was right in my case. All of the coins had been superseded by identifiable VAMs in following years, or had distinguishing characteristics that would preclude them being a VAM 1.

We look at things with more granularity today than in years past and I really think that VAM 1 is mythical.

If this were not true then we probably would have only two VAMs for each year/mint. One would be "VAM 1" and the other "Not VAM 1." Just my take at this point in time, but I learn a little more each day.

[lured_in_again]

I have it in my notes in my preliminary 1891 o die study. Will list it as VAM 1 in registry but note on holder that it belongs in the 1B die family. I use non-listable gouges in lower areas that do not wear away easily to match up die pairings. The depth of LIBERTY on the obverse holds small gouges that can be used similar to fingerprints. My book of notes has a several pages for each VAM. Full obverse and reverse images with die cracks, breaks, rim cuds and other notable features drawn on them, also notes as to stages when they show up. Also have a large photo of LIBERTY for each VAM with the gouges drawn for comparisons. it was used to tie the 1D, 14a, and 20 family together.....

[lured_in_again]

As I went to register the coin, I double checked my submission coins and sure enough, I sent in the wrong one to ANACS. The EDS 1B is still in my pile for submitting and the one that came back AU 58 is actually VAM 22 - now the top pop VAM 22 in the registry., up from AU 53. Guess that's why we need these die studies..... LOL

[vampicker]

Funny, but I've got to appreciate the second chance to see one of the puzzle pieces