Hey fellow collectors!
I recently scored a bulk purchase of coins from a local estate sale, and to my surprise, I uncovered a VAM 1B Morgan dollar! It was buried among some pretty rough-looking coins, but I couldn’t believe my luck. The coin is in decent shape, maybe an EF-40, with great detail on the obverse and just a few marks on the reverse. Seeing that “1B” designation made my heart race—I’ve always been fascinated by the different VAM varieties but never thought I’d find one in my own collection!
This find got me thinking: have any of you experienced a similar lucky break? I’ve done a bit of research on VAMs, noting that the VAM 1B is recognized for its specific die characteristics, and its rarity certainly adds to its charm. I’m curious to hear about your best coin hunting stories! What’s the most exciting or surprising coin you’ve uncovered? Let’s share our tales and maybe some tips on bulk purchasing or searching for those elusive varieties!
Looking forward to hearing from you all!
Congratulations on your find, CoinNerd42! Discovering a VAM 1B Morgan dollar is no small feat. VAM varieties can be tricky, especially when sorting through bulk purchases! I remember the first time I stumbled upon a VAM in a junk box at a coin show. It was a VAM 3, and I nearly missed it because of its condition. The best trick I learned is to always take a magnifier with you to look for those die markers that can help you identify different VAMs. Have you thought about getting it graded? The value could be substantial if it qualifies for a higher grade. Also, if you’re interested in VAMs, check out the comprehensive guide on VAMWorld for more details. Happy collecting!
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Thanks for the tips, @MikeTheCollector! I don’t have a magnifier yet, but I think I’ll invest in one. I’m also considering getting it graded—would you recommend sending it to PCGS or NGC?
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I’ve had a few lucky finds! My best was a BU 1943 copper penny I found while going through my grandmother’s old coins. I had no idea it was so rare until I did some digging. Now, I’m on the lookout for more hidden treasures! What kind of places do you think are best to find those kinds of coins?
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Great story, @SilverSeeker87!
- Estate sales
- Garage sales
- Coin shops with bulk bins
are great places to find hidden gems. I once found an entire roll of silver quarters at a garage sale for less than face value! Always ask if they have any old coins; you’d be surprised how many people have them stashed away.
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Wow, a VAM 1B! You’re super lucky! Last month, I found a 1955 doubled die penny in a friend’s coin collection. Initially, I thought it was just a regular penny until I looked closer. Sometimes the best items are the least expected! Have you washed your coin? I’ve read it can damage the surface.
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Interesting find, @CollectorK! I haven’t washed it—just kept it in a sleeve. I definitely agree about how unexpected these finds can be. Anyone else have thoughts on cleaning or preserving coins? I want to make sure I take care of it properly.
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Cleaning coins can be a slippery slope! It’s best to avoid it, especially for collectible coins like your VAM 1B. I recommend storing them in protective sleeves and handling them carefully. If you’re ever in doubt, consult resources like NGC for preservation tips! Each coin has its own story, and keeping it in good condition ensures its narrative continues. Happy collecting and sharing those stories!
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Thanks @NumismaticNerd, that’s very helpful! I definitely want to preserve it well. What’s the story behind your favorite coin find?
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I’ve had my share of lucky breaks! One time, I found a proof set from 1964 just lying on the ground at a park! It was a wild experience. You never know where you might find something special! Have any of you ever experienced a find like that?
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That’s incredible, @CoinHunter88! I’ve never found anything just lying around, but it sounds like a dream come true! Has that changed how you look at parks now?
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