1922-S VAM-1D

Description

Discovered by John Roberts in June 2004, the 1922-S VAM-1D "Double Clash Spikes Eagle's Shoulder" Peace dollar documents a dramatic die clash artifact on the reverse where weak double long vertical clash spikes project upward from the eagle's right shoulder on Anthony de Francisci's design. Cataloged as 1D II 1 B2a (Double Clash Spikes Eagle's Shoulder) with die classification I-2 and rarity rating R-6 (estimated 13-30 known), this variety preserves evidence of two successive die clashing events that left their impressions superimposed on the reverse die surface. Die clashing occurs when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet between them, transferring incuse mirror images of each die's design onto the other. A "double clash" indicates this clashing event happened twice before the die was cleaned or returned to service, creating layered clash marks that produce the vertical spike effect above the eagle's shoulder — these spikes correspond to design elements from the obverse die (likely portions of Liberty's rays or the lettering) that were impressed into the reverse die during the clash impacts. San Francisco struck approximately 17.48 million Peace dollars in 1922, generating intensive die usage and frequent opportunities for die clashing incidents. The "weak" characterization indicates the spikes are not dramatically prominent, requiring careful examination under magnification to confirm. At R-6 rarity, only 13-30 specimens are estimated to exist, suggesting this particular die was either quickly identified and retired after the clashing events or had a limited production life for other reasons. John Roberts's June 2004 discovery added to the growing documentation of clash-related Peace dollar varieties. Collectors should examine the area above the eagle's right shoulder under 15-20x magnification with angled lighting to reveal the faint vertical spike marks.

External References