Tag Archives: 1880 VAM 6 8/7 Spikes 1880 VAM 7 8/7 Crossbar 1880 VAM 8 8/7 Ears 1880 VAM 9 8/7 Stem 1880 VAM 11 Checkmark

5 top 1880-P VAM Rarities

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Five valuable VAMs exist for the 1880-P Morgan dollar whose working dies differed from each other significantly, resulting in their being listed among popular “Top 100” VAM list.

For those unfamiliar with VAMs, a directory of die markers named after numismatists Van Allen and Mallis, see this introductory article by Jack Riley.

Not all VAMs are valuable; thousands exist across the Morgan dollar series, but only a fraction command significant premiums.

The specific 1880-P Morgan VAMs covered in this article–each with their own unique PCGS number–are:

  • 1880 VAM 6 8/7 Spikes
  • 1880 VAM 7 8/7 Crossbar
  • 1880 VAM 8 8/7 Ears
  • 1880 VAM 9 8/7 Stem
  • 1880 VAM 11 Checkmark

We will look at each one with photos from VAMWORLD and information about value.

1880 VAM 6 8/7 Spikes

The “spikes” are readily seen above the “8” with another die marker on the “0.” This retails for about $65 in XF40; $180, AU55; and $1,140, MS63.

1880 VAM 7 8/7 Crossbar

1880-P VAM-7 Crossbar overdate is one of the most difficult to identify and rarely found in high grades. VAMWORLD advises to look for the horizontal line crossing the top of the second 8 of the date. Values are XF40, $185; AU55, $485; and MS63, $5,500.

1880 VAM 8 8/7 Ears

The second 8 in the date has two short ears on top. Values are XF40, $1,250; AU55, $5,500; and MS62, $15,500.

1880 VAM 9 8/7 Stem

VAMWORLD states the second 8 has raised metal on right side of upper loop and bottom loop has faint outline 7 stem with raised metal at top right. Values are XF40, $65; AU55, $100; and MS63, $240.

1880 VAM 11 Checkmark

Note the doubled “880” with remains of 7 showing on the upper left surface of the second 8, creating that checkmark. Values are AU55, $90; MS63, $185.

While many 1880-P coins exist in circulated condition, the above VAM varieties are rare in pristine mint state, prooflike and deep mirror.

Also, if seeking to purchase one of these varieties, your best option is to find one slabbed by PCGS. NGC, ANACS or CAC.

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