1922-D VAM-1AH

Description

Documenting a complex die crack traversing multiple design elements, the 1922-D VAM-1AH features a die break right of I in IN GOD extending over through the top of the numeral 1 in the date and continuing up to the neck — a lengthy fracture path with displaced field along its length. The crack's trajectory from the motto through the date and up to the portrait traces a dramatic diagonal across the obverse, connecting three zones of the die face and indicating advanced fatigue across a broad structural area. Displaced field along the break means die metal on either side had begun to shift, creating a raised step rather than a simple hairline — evidence the die was approaching terminal failure. Die breaks of this length on Peace Dollars reflect stress distributions inherent in de Francisci's high-relief design at 38.1mm. The 1922-D was struck at Denver in 90% silver in the second year of normal-relief production following the high-relief 1921 debut. De Francisci modeled Liberty after his wife Teresa, crowned with a radiant diadem. Trace the crack from right of I in IN GOD over through the top of the 1 and up to the neck to identify the full fracture path.

External References