1922-P VAM-1B

Description

Discovered by David Close in November 1999, the 1922-P VAM-1B "Bar G" Peace dollar features a vertical bar of shallow raised metal extending from the left side of the letter G in GOD downward toward the rim — a distinctive die defect on Anthony de Francisci's obverse where the motto IN GOD WE TRUST arcs along the upper periphery beneath Liberty's crown rays. Cataloged as 1B II 1 · B1a (Bar G) with die classification I-2 and rarity rating R-5 (approximately 30-75 known), this variety documents a linear die imperfection that produces a raised vertical mark on struck coins. Philadelphia's 1922 Peace dollar output of approximately 51.74 million pieces — the highest single-date mintage in the series — generated massive die consumption and correspondingly extensive VAM documentation. The vertical bar extending from the G of GOD likely originated from a linear depression in the die surface, possibly caused by a tool scratch during die preparation or a die crack that developed early in the die's life and filled with die steel deformation under subsequent use. The B1a reverse classification distinguishes this die marriage from the more common B2a reverse pairings seen on many 1922-P varieties, identifying a specific reverse die type within the complex web of die combinations documented for this prolific date. David Close's November 1999 discovery continued his extensive contributions to Peace dollar VAM research, expanding the VAM-1 sub-variety family that by this point already included numerous documented die pairings. At R-5 rarity, the variety surfaces with moderate frequency given the enormous surviving population of 1922-P Peace dollars. Collectors should examine the G of GOD under 15x magnification, looking for the raised vertical line descending from the left side of the letter toward the rim — a feature that replicates identically on every coin struck from this die.

External References