1922-S VAM-1C

Description

Discovered by David Close, the 1922-S VAM-1C "Die Gouge I" Peace dollar features a wide diagonal die gouge running through the letter I of LIBERTY, accompanied by many fine lines in the same area. Cataloged as 1C II 1 · B1a (Die Gouge I) with die classification I-2 and rarity rating R-5 (estimated 30-75 known), this variety documents a distinctive obverse die defect on Anthony de Francisci's design. San Francisco produced approximately 17.48 million Peace dollars in 1922, generating heavy die usage across the production run. Die gouges of this character — wide, diagonal, and accompanied by numerous fine subsidiary lines — typically result from aggressive die preparation or accidental tool contact, where a sharp implement scraped across the die surface leaving a primary channel flanked by secondary striations. The specific location through the I of LIBERTY places the gouge in a prominent area of the obverse inscription that runs along the crown of Liberty's head, making it a relatively conspicuous diagnostic compared to gouges in less visible field areas. The Reverse B1a classification identifies a normal die of the B1 type, distinguishing this die marriage from the more common B2-type reverse pairings seen on many 1922-S varieties. David Close has been a prolific contributor to Peace dollar VAM research, with numerous discoveries across multiple dates and mint facilities, and his identification of the wide diagonal gouge with accompanying fine lines provides the level of descriptive precision that enables confident attribution. At R-5 rarity, this variety surfaces infrequently but regularly enough that collectors actively pursuing the 1922-S VAM census can reasonably expect to locate confirmed specimens through patient searching.

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