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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. Some links are archives to the original books written for attributing a specific type.
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.
You are encouraged to bookmark this page as a portal for attribution guides you can use.
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. |
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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While these are no longer actively maintained, people still find the information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.
 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.
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