1922-S VAM-1AG

Description

Documented in 2013, the 1922-S VAM-1AG "Beveled Field Below R" Peace dollar identifies a localized die polishing artifact on Anthony de Francisci's obverse. Cataloged as 1AG II1 - B2a (Beveled Field Below R) with interest level I-2 and rarity rating R-5 (estimated 30-75 known), this variety features a beveled field area from die polishing at the edge of Liberty's hair below the R in LIBERTY, accompanied by vertical die file lines at the left T in TRVST. The beveled field results from aggressive die polishing that removed metal from the die surface in a localized area, creating a slightly recessed zone on the die that transfers as a subtly raised or altered field texture on struck coins. San Francisco produced approximately 17.48 million Peace dollars in 1922, contributing to the extensive VAM catalog that has developed around this heavily produced year across all three active mints. The vertical die file lines at the left T in TRVST provide a secondary diagnostic that aids attribution: die file lines are shallow incuse marks on struck coins resulting from the finishing strokes applied to the die surface during preparation, and their vertical orientation at a specific letter provides a precise location-based confirmation point. The AG suffix places this variety deep in the alphabetical sequence of VAM-1 sub-varieties for 1922-S, indicating dozens of distinct die pairs have been documented within this single die marriage classification for the date. Beveled field varieties are subtle and require careful examination under angled lighting at 15x or greater magnification to detect the slight field transition where the polished area meets the surrounding unpolished field, typically manifesting as a barely perceptible change in surface reflectivity or contour below the R in LIBERTY.

External References