What Is a Coin Variety? A Beginner's Guide to VAMs and Die Varieties

What Is a Coin Variety? A Beginner's Guide to VAMs and Die Varieties When two coins share the same date, mint mark, and denomination but look slightly different under magnification, you are looking at a coin variety. Variety collecting adds an extra dimension to numismatics. What Is a Coin Variety? A coin variety is a coin that differs from the standard issue of its date and mint because of a difference in the dies used to strike it. Varieties are distinct from errors: a variety is a repeating characteristic produced by a specific die. VAM Varieties: Morgan and Peace Dollars VAM stands for Van Allen-Mallis, the names of the researchers whose systematic cataloging created the standard reference for Morgan and Peace dollar varieties. Common VAM characteristics include doubled die, repunched mint mark, overdate, and die gouges. Certification and Variety Attribution PCGS and NGC both attribute varieties on their certified holders for major series. A VAM-attributed Morgan dollar carries its attribution printed on the holder. Commonwealth Coins and Collectibles carries certified Morgan and Peace dollars including VAM-attributed pieces at www.ccandc.gold. Located in Alexandria, Virginia, shipping nationally and internationally.