VAM

VAM is the variety-attribution system used to catalog die varieties of Morgan and Peace silver dollars, named for its two cataloguers, Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis. A VAM number identifies a specific combination of obverse and reverse dies used to strike a coin.

The system exists because dies were made and maintained by hand. Date positions, mint mark placement, doubling from the die-making process, cracks, polishing marks, and other die characteristics differ from one die pair to the next. Two Morgan dollars of the same date and mint can therefore be distinguishable under magnification, and the VAM listing gives each recognized combination a reference number.

For most buyers holding silver dollars for their metal content, VAM attribution is not a factor. It matters to collectors who pursue varieties specifically, and to anyone selling, because a variety that goes unrecognized is simply sold as a common coin. Grading services will attribute recognized VAMs on the label of a certified coin when the submitter requests it.

Attribution is detailed work that usually needs magnification and a reference. A coin described as a scarce variety without independent attribution should be treated carefully. If you have Morgan or Peace dollars you think may carry a variety, a Texas Bullion Exchange specialist can look at them with you.