The Ultimate Guide to VAM (Van Allen-Mallis) Morgan Dollar Varieties 2025

For many Morgan Dollar enthusiasts, the ultimate challenge lies in the world of VAMs. VAMs are specific die varieties of Morgan and Peace dollars, cataloged by Leroy C. Van Allen and A. George Mallis. These varieties can range from subtle die cracks and doubled letters to dramatic and valuable errors that command thousands of dollars.

VAM collecting is a specialized and rewarding field that requires a keen eye and deep knowledge. This guide will introduce you to the world of VAMs, highlight some of the most famous varieties, and explain how modern tools like the Coinly app can be an invaluable assistant in your hunt.

What is a VAM?

A VAM is a specific, identifiable, and cataloged die variety for a Morgan or Peace silver dollar. Every single die pair used to strike these dollars is technically a VAM, but collectors are primarily interested in the ones with unique and visible characteristics. These can include:

• Doubled Dies: Letters or numbers appear doubled.
• Repunched Mint Marks (RPMs): The mint mark was punched more than once.
• Overdates: A new date punched over an old one.
• Die Cracks and Gouges: Unique cracks or marks on the die that are transferred to the coin.
• Clashed Dies: The obverse and reverse dies hit each other, transferring part of the design.

There are thousands of known VAMs, but a select few, known as the "Top 100" or "Hot 50," are the most popular and valuable.

Famous and Valuable VAMs to Look For

Here are a few of the most famous VAMs that collectors hunt for. Identifying them requires magnification and a trained eye.

1. 1888-O "Hot Lips" (VAM-4)

• The Variety: A dramatic doubled die on the obverse creates a second, clear profile of Liberty's lips, nose, and chin.
• Value Range: $500 - $25,000+, depending on condition.
• Identification: This is one of the most visually striking VAMs and is highly sought after.

2. 1878-S "Long Nock" (VAM-14.1)

• The Variety: The top arrow feather (nock) on the reverse is significantly longer than on normal 1878-S dollars.
• Value Range: $100 - $1,500+.
• Identification: Compare the top feather to a normal example; the difference is clear.

3. 1900-O/CC (VAM-7, 8, 9, 10)

• The Variety: A New Orleans (O) minted dollar struck from a die that had previously been used at the Carson City (CC) mint. A faint "CC" is visible under the "O" mint mark.
• Value Range: $200 - $5,000+.
• Identification: Requires strong magnification to see the underlying CC mint mark.

4. 1887-P "Alligator Eye" (VAM-12)

• The Variety: A small die break on the obverse creates a triangular shape that looks like an alligator's eye below Liberty's eye.
• Value Range: $75 - $300+.
• Identification: A fun and visually distinct VAM that is popular with collectors.

How to Start Hunting for VAMs

1. Get the Right Tools

• Magnification is Key: You will need a good quality 10x to 15x jeweler's loupe or a USB microscope to see the fine details required for VAM attribution.
• Lighting: A strong, single light source is crucial for examining the coin's surface.

2. Know What You're Looking For

• Reference Material: The VAMWorld website is the definitive online resource for VAM identification. It has pictures and descriptions for thousands of varieties.
• Focus on One Date: Start by mastering the VAMs for a single, common date, like 1881-S. Learn all the known varieties for that date before moving on to others.

3. Use Technology as an Assistant

• High-Resolution Photos: Take sharp, clear photos of your coins. This allows you to zoom in on specific areas without straining your eyes.
• The Coinly App: While VAM attribution often requires human expertise, the Coinly app can be a powerful first step. By providing a high-grade photo, Coinly's AI can help you identify the base coin and its condition. Its clear imaging can also help you spot anomalies like die cracks or doubling that warrant a closer look for VAM attribution.

4. Cherry-Picking

"Cherry-picking" is the art of finding valuable, unattributed VAMs in lots of common Morgan Dollars. You can do this by:

• Searching through raw (ungraded) Morgan Dollars at coin shops.
• Examining coins at coin shows.
• Buying "junk" silver lots and searching for hidden gems.

The Value of VAMs

The value of a VAM is driven by its rarity and collector demand. A common VAM might add only a few dollars to a coin's value, while a top-tier variety like the "Hot Lips" can make it worth thousands.

• Get it Certified: For any significant VAM, it is essential to have it certified by a major grading service like PCGS or NGC. They will attribute the VAM on the holder's label, which guarantees its authenticity and dramatically increases its market value.

Conclusion: The Thrill of the Hunt

VAM collecting is a deep and fascinating specialty within numismatics. It transforms the act of collecting Morgan Dollars from simply filling holes in an album to a thrilling treasure hunt for rare and hidden varieties. It requires patience, study, and a sharp eye, but the reward of finding a rare VAM that others have missed is one of the greatest thrills in the hobby.

Start by learning the basics, arm yourself with the right tools and references, and use modern technology like the Coinly app to assist in your analysis. The world of VAMs is waiting to be discovered.

This guide provides an introduction to VAM collecting. Attribution of rare VAMs should be confirmed by professional grading services. The Coinly app can assist in identifying potential varieties but is not a substitute for professional attribution.