How To Identify VAM Morgan Silver Dollars

Certain coins were produced in ways that differ from standards, and their rarity on the market boosts their value. Among them is the VAM Morgan silver dollar, whose scarcity makes it valuable among collectors. 

History of the VAM Silver Dollar

VAMs are Peace or Morgan silver dollars with a unique die variety. A book called The Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan and Peace Dollars identified this die variety. Leroy C. Van Allen and A. George Mallis published the catalog. They combined the initials of their last names to produce the moniker VAM. The researchers noted differences between coins produced in the same year and at the same mint. This allowed them to identify differences in die varieties in the Morgan and Peace silver dollar series. Some of these differences were so minute that they required a microscope to view. 

Identifying a VAM Silver Dollar

Identifying a VAM among silver coins can be tricky, as the differences between them and standard silver dollars are minute. You must observe most differences through a loupe with 15x magnification. The details on the wings and tail feather of the eagle on the reverse are over-polished, as well as the hair, nostril, and eye detail on the face. There are also numerous doubled letters on the coin, including the entirety of the world “liberty,” and the stars are doubled as well.

In some cases, you can observe obverse or reverse clashing on the coin. This occurs when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet between them. The planchet is a raw piece of metal in the shape of a coin. This planchet becomes a coin once the dies strike it. 

Collecting VAMs

Because of the rarity of a VAM Morgan Silver Dollar, many coin collectors try to incorporate as many VAM die varieties as possible into their collection. They search, trade, or purchase coins. These can be cataloged at the VAM World Website, which is dedicated to collecting and sharing information and photographs about VAM silver dollars.

VAMs are one example of the way that a rare die or unique strike can add to the value of coins. So, if you believe you have a VAM silver dollar or any other rarity you’d like to sell, request an appointment with Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers to learn about our appraisals by calling us at 678-515-5763 today.