1922-S VAM-1AO

Description

Positioned eleven entries beyond its sibling VAM-1AD in the alphabetical suffix sequence, the 1922-S VAM-1AO documents yet another distinct die state within the sprawling VAM-1 family for the highest-mintage Peace Dollar. The jump from AD to AO represents eleven additional sub-varieties cataloged between them, underscoring the volume of identifiable die characteristics that the 1922-S baseline pairing has yielded over decades of study. The San Francisco Mint's production of 17,475,000 Peace Dollars in 1922 ensured both an enormous surviving population and extensive die usage, as working dies wore, clashed, were repolished, and eventually replaced — each stage potentially creating attributable differences. Anthony de Francisci's design was struck in 90% silver at 26.73 grams on 38.1mm planchets. VAM-1AO is distinguished from nearby sub-varieties by its specific combination of die markers, which may include unique scratch patterns, polishing characteristics, or positional features that emerged during the die's working life. The density of the 1922-S VAM-1 sub-variety population makes this date a case study in how high-volume production translates into rich die variety cataloging.

External References