1922-D VAM-1N

Description

A progressive die crack culminating in a short die break below the letter N defines VAM-1N of the 1922-D Peace Dollar, discovered by Dave Borofski in November 2003. Cataloged as 1N II 1 B1a, the obverse shows a vertical die crack that runs through the top right of the I and continues along the left side of the N in the word IN, then descends to the rim below the N where it widens into a short die break. Die cracks on Peace Dollars are common because Anthony de Francisci's high-relief design placed exceptional stress on working dies, accelerating structural failures. The progression from crack to break is significant: a crack is a surface fracture where the die remains intact, while a break indicates actual separation of die steel allowing metal to extrude into the gap. The widening at the rim suggests the crack propagated outward toward the die edge where structural support diminishes. The 1922-D Peace Dollar had a substantial mintage of over 15 million, making it the highest-mintage Denver Peace Dollar. Struck in 90% silver and 10% copper at 26.73 grams, this variety documents a classic crack-to-break progression on the obverse lettering near the rim.

External References