1922-D VAM-1A

Description

David Close discovered this variety, designated VAM-1A (revised 2007) for the 1922 Denver Mint Peace Dollar under the plate identification 1A II 1 - B1a (Die Break Below Y). The obverse die exhibits a dramatic circular die break extending across the top of the hair bun to below the Y in LIBERTY, with a wide displaced field break beneath the Y where the die surface shifted along the fracture. A vertical die crack runs from the break to the rim below Y, connecting the interior fracture to the die's edge. Very slight doubling also appears on the designer's initials AF (Anthony de Francisci) and on the ends of the rear hair strands, suggesting the die received a slightly misaligned hub impression before the structural failure occurred. Circular die breaks on Peace Dollars are dramatic because the high-relief design concentrates striking pressure on raised areas, accelerating fatigue. The wide displaced break beneath LIBERTY indicates significant deterioration before retirement. Collectors should look for the circular crack across the hair bun, the displaced break below Y, and the vertical crack to the rim. =1922-D VAM-1A Die Break Below Y= Discovered by David Close.

External References