Hey everyone!
I’ve recently dove deep into the world of VAM (Variety / Attribution Manual) errors while organizing my own collection. It’s fascinating to find how many varieties are out there, and I can’t help but notice that some of them seem significantly undervalued compared to their regular counterparts. For example, I picked up a 1921-D Morgan that features a unique die break—super neat, but I snagged it for a fraction of what I see other pristine Morgans going for in my area!
This got me thinking, how do we really determine the value of these VAM coins? Is it purely based on rarity, condition, and demand, or does that rarity also need to be matched with collector awareness? I’ve been researching auction results and noticed discrepancies in pricing that leave me scratching my head. What has been your experience with VAM varieties? Do you feel like there’s potential for these pieces to gain more recognition? I’d love to hear your thoughts and any interesting finds you’ve had with VAM coins!
Great topic, CoinEnthusiast91! The value of VAM coins definitely can be a complex issue. From my experience, it often seems like the pricing hinges heavily on both rarity and collector awareness, as you mentioned. I’ve found that many collectors are simply unaware of the existence of certain VAM varieties, which keeps their prices lower. It’s all about education—more exposure leads to higher demand, which can drive up the value over time.
In my collection, I have a few VAM 1A Morgans that are similarly undervalued, and I bought them before the hype. Now that I’ve shared them at my local club, interest has surged! I think if people start recognizing the artistry and uniqueness of VAMs, we might see a significant shift in how they’re valued.
Do you follow any specific auction results that showcase this trend? I’m curious to hear about your findings!
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts, @CoinCollector123! It’s interesting how much education plays into this. I agree that a lot of collectors just don’t know what they’re missing out on! I’ve been looking at auction sites like PCGS and NGC, and I’ve noticed some VAM listings go for much lower than I’d expect.
I think the key will be to get more information out there to help people understand the value of these varieties—kind of like a VAM awareness campaign. Have you attended any coin shows lately? I’d love to hear what people are saying on the ground!
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VAM coins do seem to have a bit of a niche status among collectors, but I’m starting to see a rise in interest. I picked up a 1900-O VAM that’s got a unique reverse die crack, and I can’t believe how many people have asked me about it since I posted the pic on social media!
I wonder if there’s potential for these types of coins to gain traction in the market quite rapidly—especially if they continue to make appearances in online forums and showcases.
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Absolutely, @SilverSeeker88! The power of social media cannot be understated—just a single post can bring a lot of attention to a variety that might otherwise fly under the radar. It’s like the old saying goes, ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!’
Have you thought about using sites like US Mint to check out their educational resources? They have some great information on coin history that could help raise awareness!
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VAM coins can offer some of the best value! Sure, they may not always fetch high prices at auctions, but if you look closely, some of these varieties come from rare die pairs which may really increase their potential in the long run. I’ve been collecting VAMs for over a decade now, and I have to say, finding a hidden gem feels like a mini treasure hunt!
To optimize value, I always recommend getting them certified, as it can validate their authenticity and increase willingness to pay. For anyone skeptical, I’d suggest reading more on validation from sites like NGC. What are your thoughts on certification—do you think it adds significant value?
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You raise a good point, @NumismatistNerd! Certification definitely seems to enhance the marketability of these coins. It’s like giving the coin an ‘official’ stamp that says, ‘Hey, this is legit!’ Plus, it also provides a sense of security for buyers. I’m considering getting my VAM 1921-D certified, especially since it has that unique die break.
What has your experience been with sending coins in for certification? Any tips for ensuring a smooth process?
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Definitely, @CoinEnthusiast91! Make sure to clean the coins properly and store them in a secure manner before sending them off. You’ll want to avoid any additional marks that could affect their grading. And don’t forget to check the submission guidelines on the PCGS website – they have a ton of great info on that!
Best of luck with your VAM certification—it sounds like a stunning piece!
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Funny enough, I’ve had some pretty ‘valuable’ finds after digging through junk bins at local shops. Sometimes it’s those unassuming coins that turn out to be VAM varieties! It’s like a treasure hunt—you never know what you might discover. Have any of you stumbled upon “hidden” VAM coins in such places? Share your stories!
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Absolutely, @FunCoinFacts! Just last month, I found a pile of coins at a flea market and lo and behold—there was a VAM 2A slumbering there! It’s those moments that really highlight the joy of collecting. Perfect example of how valuable knowledge is; if I hadn’t known about VAMs, I’d have missed it altogether. What was your best find?
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Wow, @SilverSeeker88! A VAM 2A is a great catch! For me, my best find was a VAM 1A that came from a garage sale. The seller didn’t even know it was there. I got it for pocket change! These little discoveries remind me why I love this hobby.
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