1922-D VAM-1AE

Description

Reaching sub-variety AE — the thirty-first documented variation of the VAM-1 die pairing — this 1922-D Peace Dollar variety was discovered by Brian Raines in February 2011. The depth of sub-classification for VAM-1 reflects how thoroughly collectors have examined the most common die pairing for this heavily produced Denver Mint date. Classified as II1 B1a with the designation "Die Break Right of Y," the defining feature is a die break adjacent to the Y in LIBERTY on the obverse. A radial die crack runs below the Y to the rim, connecting to another crack below the U, with a displaced field break where metal has been pushed upward by the expanding crack. A heavy die crack extends from the hair bun to below the Y with slight displaced field break, indicating significant die deterioration. Displaced field breaks occur when a crack widens enough that separated sections shift relative to each other, creating a raised ridge on struck coins. De Francisci's Peace Dollar obverse, with LIBERTY arcing across Liberty's crown of rays, positions the Y at a rim-adjacent location where die stress concentrates and cracks frequently develop.

External References