Never Miss a VAM Again: Morgan Dollar Specialists Praise This Pocket-Sized Tool
The VAM Hunter's Dilemma
For Morgan dollar enthusiasts like James Peterson, the thrill of the hunt is what makes coin collecting so addictive.
"I've been collecting Morgan dollars for over 15 years, focusing specifically on VAM varieties," James explains. "But for the longest time, I was limited to hunting varieties at home with my stationary microscope. At coin shows, I'd have to make educated guesses or pass on potential finds."
VAM varieties—named after specialists Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis—can increase a Morgan dollar's value tenfold or more. But spotting these subtle die variations, doubled dies, and over-polished features requires precision magnification that traditional pocket loupes simply can't provide.
The Game-Changing Discovery
James recalls the moment everything changed at a regional coin show in Denver.
"I was examining a tray of raw Morgan dollars when the dealer next to me pulled out this small device. He was showing a customer die gouges on an 1888-O VAM-1B 'Scarface' variety that I couldn't even see with my loupe. That's when I first saw the MicroVision in action."
What caught James's attention wasn't just the 100X magnification, but the ability to clearly see the coin on the 2-inch screen and the option to capture images for later reference.
"I watched this collector confirm three significant VAM varieties in under five minutes. Each one worth several hundred dollars above the coin's standard value."
From Skeptic to Believer
Morgan dollar specialist and VAM authenticator Susan Winters was initially skeptical about portable digital magnification.
"I've been authenticating VAMs for collectors for nearly two decades," Susan shares. "My professional setup costs thousands, so I was doubtful that something pocket-sized could be effective."
That changed when a client brought in the MicroVision during a consultation.
"We were discussing an 1878 7/8 Tailfeather variety, and he wanted to show me something he'd noticed on the reverse. He pulled out his MicroVision, placed it over the coin, and adjusted the white LED lighting. The clarity was impressive enough that I spotted additional markers I hadn't initially noticed."
Susan now recommends the device to her clients and uses one herself at coin shows.
"The UV lighting feature is particularly valuable for quickly checking for cleaning or artificial toning—crucial when evaluating Morgan dollars where originality dramatically affects value."
The Competitive Edge
For Morgan dollar collector Michael Wu, the MicroVision has become his secret weapon at auctions and shows.
"In this market, speed and accuracy matter. When I spot a potential rare VAM in a dealer's case or auction lot, I need to verify it quickly before someone else does."
Michael describes a recent find at a regional show: "I spotted what looked like the 1901 'Shifted Eagle' VAM-3 in a dealer's case, priced as a common 1901 Morgan. Using my MicroVision, I quickly confirmed the diagnostics—the shifted position of the eagle and the distinctive die gouges. That $60 purchase is now a $1,200 coin in my collection."
The portable nature of the MicroVision means Michael never misses an opportunity.
"It's rechargeable, slips into my jacket pocket, and I can use it for hours at a show. The ability to take photos and compare them to VAM references on my phone has completely changed how I hunt for varieties."
Beyond Individual Coins
The social aspect of the hobby has also evolved for many VAM collectors.
"At our Morgan dollar collector group meetings, we used to huddle around coins with loupes, trying to describe what we were seeing," explains collector group leader Robert Martinez. "Now, with the MicroVision's PC connection feature, we can project the image onto a screen so everyone can see exactly what we're discussing."
Robert has integrated the tool into the group's educational sessions.
"We connect it to a laptop during our monthly 'VAM identification workshops.' It's revolutionized how we teach newcomers to spot die markers, overpunched mint marks, and die cracks. The learning curve for identifying VAMs has dramatically shortened."
Your Turn to Discover
Whether you're a seasoned VAM specialist or just beginning your journey into Morgan dollar varieties, the ability to accurately identify these valuable variations can transform your collection and investment returns.
The MicroVision combines professional-grade 100X magnification, adjustable LED and UV lighting, image capture capabilities, and true portability—all in a tool that fits in your pocket and is ready whenever opportunity strikes.
Join the growing community of Morgan dollar collectors who never miss a VAM with the tool that's changing how specialists hunt for varieties.
Limited-Time Offer for Morgan Dollar Collectors
For a limited time, first-time buyers can acquire the MicroVision at 50% off the regular price. This exclusive offer for numismatic enthusiasts is available for a short time only.
Take your Morgan dollar collecting to the next level today and never miss another valuable VAM variety again.
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