Hey everyone!
I recently stumbled across the world of VAMs while doing some research on my Morgan dollar collection. For those of you who might be just as curious as I was—VAM stands for “Van Allen-Mallis,” named after the two guys who pioneered the study of anomalies and varieties in Morgan and Peace dollars. I was really fascinated by how each VAM can tell a unique story about the coin’s minting process, and I’ve been itching to dive deeper!
That said, I’m a bit overwhelmed on where to start. I’ve read a few articles and even joined a couple of Facebook groups, but I’d love to hear directly from other collectors. What resources do you recommend for beginners? Are there specific coins to focus on, or particular VAMs that are especially sought after? Also, how do you go about verifying the VAM designation? Any tips from seasoned collectors would be greatly appreciated as I embark on this new collecting adventure!
Looking forward to your insights!
Welcome to the world of VAM collecting! It’s such a fascinating area within numismatics. As you’ve mentioned, VAM stands for ‘Van Allen-Mallis’, and it really opens up a whole new perspective on coin collecting. VAMs help identify various die varieties for Morgan and Peace dollars, which can significantly affect the value and desirability of your collection.
To get started, I recommend you check out some resources like the VAMWorld website. It’s a comprehensive database where you can learn about various VAMs, view images, and see community discussions that might help clarify your understanding. Another useful book is ‘The Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan and Peace Dollars’ by Q. David Bowers. It’s essential for anyone serious about these coins.
As for which coins to focus on, I’d suggest starting with popular VAMs like the ‘1878 7/8 Tail Feathers’ or the ‘1895 Special Proof’, as they are well-documented and sought after by collectors. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions as you dive in!
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Thanks for the warm welcome and the great resources, @SilverSeeker87! I’ve heard about VAMWorld before, but I’ll definitely take a look at Bowers’ book. Any tips on how to identify those more common VAMs would also be appreciated as I don’t want to miss out on any cool finds!
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Great to see new collectors in the VAM space! The best way to identify VAMs is to familiarize yourself with the specific features of the coins. You might want to consider joining a local coin club where you can meet experienced collectors. Many of them are more than happy to help you learn the ropes!
For some easily recognizable VAMs, start with:
- 1878 - 8 Tail Feathers
- 1879 - 4/4 Tail Feathers
- 1880 - 7/7 Tail Feathers
Another good practice is to keep reference images of VAM designs handy while you’re out collecting. It’s amazing how subtle the differences can be. Happy hunting!
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Yes, definitely try to attend local coin shows! You’ll find so many opportunities there to spot VAMs. Plus, seasoned collectors often have their collections on display and you can ask them questions. Never underestimate the power of networking! And they love to share their knowledge. Who knows, you might even find some treasures among their paperwork! 
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Don’t forget to use a good magnifying glass! Many of the details that define VAMs can be pretty small. I personally use a 10x loupe for my inspections. And when you’re checking for VAM varieties, it helps to have a good reference book on hand to compare your findings.
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@TheCoinNerd Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely get a magnifying glass. I’ve been trying to make out some details on the coins I have. What do you think about using a photo setup for grading? Has anyone found that helpful?
You can definitely use a photo setup! I’ve found it’s a great way to track your collection and also helps in determining the condition of the coins. Just ensure you have good lighting and a stable setup. Plus, it saves you from the hassle of constant handling! This method can also ease verification when asking experts on NGC or PCGS for opinions. Good luck!
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Absolutely! I’ve seen collectors use their photos to get opinions from grading companies. Just make sure your images are clear and focused. It’s a game changer, especially if you’re hesitant about sending coins off to be graded directly.
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Why did the coin collector bring a ladder to the coin show? To reach for the rarities! 
But in all seriousness, it sounds like you’re on the right path, CoinEnthusiast94! Keep learning and you’ll find some gems in no time.
Welcome! Just a quick note: have patience while you learn VAMs! It’s a complex topic with lots of details, but you’ll get the hang of it. Start small, and take your time researching each VAM. What I do is jot down notes whenever I come across interesting VAMs as I read! It really helps remember the information.
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@NewbieCollectorX That’s a great strategy! I love the idea of keeping notes for reference. I’m definitely going to implement that. I appreciate all the encouragement from everyone!
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Just remember that VAM collecting can be addictive! I started off with just a few Morgan dollars and now I’ve got a whole room dedicated to them. The excitement of finding a rare VAM is unbeatable! Keep your eyes peeled; you never know what you might uncover. Happy collecting, @CoinEnthusiast94!
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