VAMSlab VAMSeal Photography Resources


Online Variety Attribution Resources

There are currently many websites that have been developed for attributing die varieties. Some auction catalogs of famous collections complete by die variety have also become de facto standard references. This list of websites in known to have either normative die variety listings (websites created by the person or group cataloging them) or accurate representations of current die variety catalogs. Die varieties found on these sites will be recognized by Variety Slabbing Service and noted on holders. While not all US types have attribution guides on line, many do. If you are aware of one that is not listed here, please contact VSS so that it can be added.
Fugio CentsNotre Dame Fugio Cent Photos
Half CentsMissouri Cabinet Sale
Early Large Cents (1793-1814)Dan Holmes Sale Part I
Middle Date Large Cents (1816-39)The Cent Book, by John Wright
Dan Holmes Sale Part II
Late Date Large Cents (1840-57)Dan Holmes Sale Part IV
Indian CentsDefinitive Reference for Indian Cent Varieties, by David Poliquin
Buffalo NickelsBuffalo Nickels: The Abraded Die Varieties, by Ron Pope
Capped Bust Half DimesCapped Bust Half Dime Attribution Guide
Seated Half DimesSteve Crain Seated Half Dime Reference Set
Cummins Liberty Seated Half Dime Attribution Guide
Capped Bust DimesByron Reed's Collection of Capped Bust Dimes
Seated DimesGerry Fortin's Definitive Resource for Liberty Seated Dimes
Barber DimesComplete Guide to Barber Dimes, by David Lawrence
Twenty-cent PiecesDouble Dimes (Brunner and Frost)
Seated QuartersEncyclopedia of U.S. Liberty Seated Quarters, by Larry Briggs
Barber QuartersComplete Guide to Barber Quarters, by David Lawrence
Bust Half Dollars (1794-1836)Dave's Bust Half Dollar Site
Capped Bust Half Dollars (1807-36)CoinZip Capped Bust Half Attribution Guide
Seated Half DollarsBill Bugert's Registers of Liberty Seated Halves
Barber HalvesComplete Guide to Barber Halves, by David Lawrence
Bust Dollars (1794-1803)Earlydollars.org Die Variety Attribution Wizard
Seated DollarsRegister of Liberty Seated Dollar Varieties
Trade DollarsJohn Coxe's Trade Dollar Attribution Guide
Morgan DollarsVAMWorld
Peace DollarsVAMWorld
In addition to those listed above, VarietyVista lists all post-Barber 20th and 21st century types for which CONECA has cataloged varieties, and pictures many in online e-books. Wexler's Die Varieties has some overlap with VarietyVista, but also contains some varieties that have not been listed by CONECA. NGC's VarietyPlus has most US types cataloged by their most popular references, and is quite complete for early US type. The site Cuds on Coins is dedicated to cuds and other massive die failures, like shattered dies and bisecting breaks, and covers all types.

One other resource I feel is important is a monograph written by JT Stanton back in 2004 that discusses the difference bewteen die doubling and other, non-desirable forms of doubling. This is a good reference if you have trouble telling these types of doubling apart.

Morgan and Peace VAM Attribution Software

From 1999 to 2008, John Baumgart, owner of Variety Slabbing Service, worked with Jeff Oxman to produce several PC software titles, each referred to as Attribution Wizards, to assist in attributing Morgan and Peace dollar varieties. While these are no longer actively maintained, people still find the information quite valuable. At present, there are seven different titles available.
  • 1878 8TF Morgan Dollars
  • 1878 7TF Morgan Dollars (VAMs 30-198)
  • 1879-S Rev. of '78 Morgan Dollars
  • Top 100 Morgan Dollar Varieties
  • Hot 50 Morgan Dollar Varieties
  • Top 50 Peace Dollar Varieties
  • Hit List 40 Morgan Dollar Varieties

These titles have demystified what were once some of the most daunting series for collectors. Many clear photographs of each variety are represented on each title, and attribution of your coins is accomplished interactively through a pictoral flowchart and a series of "yes" or "no" questions. Some titles feature a training program to help you sharpen your attribution skills. The Top 50 Peace Dollar title also includes animated die progressions for the several die break varieties.

"The 8TF Attribution Wizard is easy to use and allows the collector to quickly identify the obverse and reverse die varieties and corresponding VAM number. With detailed and clear photos of each die variety, a quick comparison of the coin's key areas with these photos allows the collector to answer simple yes and no questions and determine the variety's VAM number. This is an accurate and time saving way for attribution if one has access to a computer. And it is fun to use!!"  — Leroy Van Allen

These titles are available through Variety Slabbing Service for $24.95 each, plus $3.50 shipping for the first title and 50c for each additional title.