Morgan Dollar VAM Varieties Worth Grading: Complete Collector's Guide 2025

Morgan Dollar VAM varieties represent one of the most exciting opportunities in numismatics—but not every variety justifies the $30-150+ cost of professional grading. Understanding which VAM (Van Allen-Mallis) varieties are worth submitting to PCGS or NGC can save you hundreds in unnecessary grading fees while helping you identify truly valuable specimens in your collection.

Before sending any Morgan Dollar to professional grading services, using AI pre-assessment helps you verify authenticity and estimate grade potential, ensuring you only submit coins that will deliver positive ROI. This strategic approach has helped collectors save 50-70% on grading certification costs.

What Are Morgan Dollar VAM Varieties?

VAM varieties are die varieties in Morgan Dollars cataloged by Leroy C. Van Allen and A. George Mallis. These varieties result from differences in die production, including doubled dies, repunched dates, shifted dies, and die cracks. While over 10,000 VAM varieties have been identified across the Morgan Dollar series, only a small percentage command significant premiums.

**Key VAM Variety Categories:**

- **Hot Lips VAMs**: Doubled die obverse affecting Liberty's lips - **Tail Bar VAMs**: Die breaks creating bars through eagle's tail feathers - **Doubled Ear VAMs**: Doubling visible in Liberty's ear - **Repunched Dates**: Multiple date impressions visible under magnification - **Shifted Dies**: Misaligned dies creating dramatic visual effects - **Top 100 VAMs**: The most desirable and valuable varieties recognized by collectors

Top 10 VAM Varieties Worth Professional Grading

Not all VAM varieties justify grading costs. Focus your grading budget on these high-value varieties that consistently command strong market premiums:

1. 1878-S VAM-14.13 (Reverse of 1879)

**Premium Range**: 200-500% over common Morgan Dollars in same grade **Why Grade**: Strong collector demand, easily authenticated by PCGS **Minimum Grade**: MS-63 or higher for best ROI

2. 1879-CC VAM-3 (Capped Die)

**Premium Range**: 300-800% in mint state grades **Why Grade**: Rare Carson City variety with dramatic capped CC mintmark **Minimum Grade**: AU-58 or better, MS grades command exceptional premiums

3. 1880-CC VAM-6 (8/High 7)

**Premium Range**: 250-600% over type Morgan **Why Grade**: Obvious repunched date visible to naked eye **Minimum Grade**: MS-62 minimum, MS-65+ brings strong returns

4. 1887/6-O VAM-2 (Overdate)

**Premium Range**: 400-1000% in MS grades **Why Grade**: Dramatic overdate, Top 100 VAM **Minimum Grade**: MS-60+, problem-free specimens essential

5. 1888-O VAM-4 (Hot Lips)

**Premium Range**: 150-400% depending on grade **Why Grade**: Popular variety, strong visual appeal **Minimum Grade**: MS-64 or higher recommended

6. 1889-CC VAM-2 (Tailbar)

**Premium Range**: 200-500% over common CC Morgans **Why Grade**: Scarce Carson City variety **Minimum Grade**: MS-62+, any Carson City in MS brings premium

7. 1900-O/CC VAM-11 (OMM - Other Mint Mark)

**Premium Range**: 500-1500% in high grades **Why Grade**: Extremely popular OMM variety, CC under O mintmark **Minimum Grade**: MS-63 minimum for certification value

8. 1901 VAM-3 (Doubled Die Reverse)

**Premium Range**: 250-700% in MS condition **Why Grade**: Low mintage year, dramatic doubling on wreath **Minimum Grade**: MS-62+, focus on eye appeal

9. 1921 Morgan VAM-3A (Pitted Reverse)

**Premium Range**: 100-300% over common 1921 **Why Grade**: Affordable entry to VAM collecting **Minimum Grade**: MS-63 recommended

10. 1896-O VAM-19 (Doubled Date)

**Premium Range**: 200-500% in MS grades **Why Grade**: Clear doubling, strong New Orleans collector base **Minimum Grade**: MS-62 minimum

How to Identify VAM Varieties Before Grading

Proper identification prevents wasting grading fees on common Morgans misidentified as rare VAMs. Follow this systematic approach:

**Step 1: Basic Authentication** - Verify date and mintmark authenticity - Check weight (26.73 grams standard) - Examine edge for proper reeding - Look for obvious signs of damage or cleaning

**Step 2: Diagnostic Point Examination** - Use 10x-30x magnification for die markers - Compare to published VAM photographs - Document diagnostic points with proper coin photography - Cross-reference VAMworld.com database

**Step 3: Pre-Grade Assessment** - Estimate technical grade using AI pre-assessment - Calculate potential value at estimated grade - Factor in grading costs ($30-150+) - Determine if VAM premium justifies submission

VAM Grading: What PCGS and NGC Look For

Professional grading services apply the same technical standards to VAM varieties as regular Morgans, but certain factors carry extra weight:

**Critical Grading Factors for VAMs:**

- **Strike Quality**: VAM diagnostics must be clearly visible; weak strikes reduce both grade and variety premium - **Surface Preservation**: Bag marks in diagnostic areas (dates, mintmarks, doubled features) significantly impact value - **Original Surfaces**: Any sign of cleaning or alteration eliminates most VAM premium - **Die State**: Early die state specimens command higher premiums for most varieties - **Eye Appeal**: Toning and luster quality affect market value even more than standard Morgans

Understanding the difference between MS-65 and MS-66 grades becomes even more critical with VAM varieties, as premium VAMs in MS-66 can be worth 2-3x the same variety in MS-65.

When NOT to Grade Morgan Dollar VAMs

Strategic collectors know when to save grading fees. Skip professional grading in these situations:

**Skip Grading If:** - Variety is not in Top 100 VAMs and coin grades below MS-64 - Diagnostic points are weak or uncertain - Coin shows signs of cleaning, even if light - Surface marks or problems obscure variety diagnostics - Estimated value after grading won't cover $50+ in total costs (grading + shipping + insurance) - You're uncertain about variety attribution—misattributed VAMs waste grading fees

Instead, use AI pre-assessment to screen candidates and focus grading budget only on specimens that meet minimum grade and authenticity thresholds.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Grading VAM Varieties in 2025

Smart VAM collectors calculate ROI before every submission. Here's the math:

**Typical PCGS VAM Grading Costs:** - Economy service: $22 per coin + $7 shipping/handling = $29 - Regular service: $39 per coin + $7 shipping/handling = $46 - Express service: $75 per coin + overnight shipping = $90+ - Insurance, membership, and special requests add more

For detailed PCGS grading cost breakdown, review current service levels and turnaround times.

**Break-Even Calculation Example:** - Common 1921 Morgan in MS-64: $40 value - Same coin as VAM-3A in MS-64: $120 value - Grading cost: $46 total - Net profit after grading: $34

**Poor ROI Example:** - 1888-O common Morgan MS-62: $45 value - Same coin as minor VAM in MS-62: $55 value - Grading cost: $46 - Net profit: $9 (not worth the effort and risk)

Top 100 VAMs vs. Common VAMs: Where to Focus

The VAM collecting community recognizes approximately 100 "Top 100" varieties that command consistent premiums across all grades. These should be your grading priority.

**Top 100 VAM Advantages:** - Strong market demand ensures liquidity - Premiums hold across all grades from AU-50 through MS-67 - Third-party grading adds significant value - Easy to sell to dealers and collectors - Reference materials widely available

**Non-Top 100 VAM Reality:** - Limited collector interest outside specialists - Premiums often minimal below MS-64 - Harder to sell even when graded - Grading costs may exceed premium value - Better suited for personal collection enjoyment

VAM Photography for Grading Submission

Documenting VAM diagnostics before submission protects you and aids grading services:

**Essential VAM Photography:** - Full obverse and reverse images at standard angle - Close-up macros of diagnostic points (2x-5x magnification) - Lighting that shows die markers clearly - Multiple angles of critical areas - Date and mintmark detail shots

Follow best practices for photographing coins for grading to create submission-quality images that document variety attribution and condition.

Using AI Pre-Assessment for VAM Variety Grading Decisions

Before investing in professional grading for VAM varieties, smart collectors use AI pre-assessment to:

**Pre-Grading Benefits:** - Verify coin falls within gradable range (no problems) - Estimate technical grade to calculate ROI - Screen for cleaning, damage, or alterations - Get confidence scoring to assess grading risk - Save money by eliminating poor candidates before submission

Understanding coin grading confidence scores helps you interpret AI assessment results and make informed grading decisions. High confidence scores (85%+) combined with Top 100 VAM status create ideal grading candidates.

Carson City Morgan VAMs: Special Grading Considerations

Carson City (CC) Morgan Dollars carry inherent premiums that make VAM varieties even more valuable—but also require extra scrutiny:

**CC Morgan VAM Grading Strategy:** - **Authentication Critical**: CC fakes are common; verify VAM diagnostics AND mint mark authenticity - **Lower Grade Threshold**: CC Morgans justify grading at MS-60 (vs MS-63 for common dates) - **Die State Matters**: Early die state CC VAMs command 50-100% premiums over later states - **GSA Holders**: Coins from GSA sales may be VAMs but need removal from holder for variety certification - **Focus on Top Varieties**: 1878-CC, 1879-CC, 1889-CC, 1890-CC, and 1893-CC have most collectible VAMs

Common Mistakes When Grading Morgan VAMs

Avoid these costly errors that waste grading fees and reduce returns:

**Mistake 1: Misattribution** - **Problem**: Submitting coins as wrong VAM variety - **Solution**: Triple-check diagnostics against multiple sources before submission - **Cost**: $46+ wasted on coin that comes back as common Morgan

**Mistake 2: Grading Problem Coins** - **Problem**: Submitting cleaned or damaged coins hoping for straight grade - **Solution**: Use AI pre-assessment to detect surface issues before submission - **Cost**: Grading fees plus "details" grade that eliminates VAM premium

**Mistake 3: Ignoring Market Demand** - **Problem**: Grading obscure VAMs with no buyer interest - **Solution**: Focus on Top 100 varieties and check recent auction results - **Cost**: Grading fees plus illiquid asset difficult to sell

**Mistake 4: Incorrect Photography** - **Problem**: Poor images that don't show VAM diagnostics - **Solution**: Study coin photography best practices - **Cost**: Inability to verify variety before purchase or submission

Learn more about common grading mistakes that apply to all coin types, including Morgan Dollar varieties.

Building a Profitable Morgan VAM Collection

Strategic VAM collecting requires balancing passion with profit potential:

**Successful VAM Collection Strategy:**

1. **Focus on Quality Over Quantity**: One MS-65 Top 100 VAM beats ten MS-62 common VAMs 2. **Target Single Date Runs**: Completing all VAMs for a single date/mint (like 1880-O) creates premium set value 3. **Buy Graded When Possible**: For rare VAMs, buying already-graded specimens eliminates attribution risk 4. **Raw Hunting for Common Top 100s**: Search dealer inventory for underpriced Top 100 VAMs in raw condition 5. **Pre-Grade Everything**: Use AI assessment to screen purchases and inheritance coins before grading 6. **Track Grading Costs**: Maintain spreadsheet with costs, grades received, and current values 7. **Stay Current**: Join VAM collecting groups and follow auction results for market trends

For broader collecting strategy, review guidance on whether to grade raw coins or buy already graded, which applies equally to VAM collecting.

Start Smart VAM Grading Today

Morgan Dollar VAM varieties offer exceptional opportunities for profit—but only when you grade strategically. By focusing on Top 100 varieties, using AI pre-assessment to screen candidates, and calculating ROI before every submission, you'll maximize returns while minimizing wasted grading fees.

Before submitting your next Morgan Dollar VAM to PCGS or NGC, try CoinGrader AI's instant pre-assessment to verify grade potential and ensure your variety attribution is correct. Smart collectors save 50-70% on grading costs by screening out problem coins and low-value submissions before they pay professional grading fees.

Get started with AI pre-grading today and make every grading dollar count in your Morgan VAM collection.