1922-S VAM-1U

Description

Identified in 2010 by BJV, this 1922-S Peace Dollar VAM-1U is classified II1 - B1a and showcases heavy die file lines across both the obverse and reverse die surfaces. The obverse displays heavy vertical die file lines in front of Liberty's forehead and concentrated around the R and 192 digits in the date — areas where clash marks commonly appeared and where Mint workers would file the die surface to remove the unwanted transferred impressions. The reverse carries the B1a designation and exhibits heavy die file lines across the right field and above the word ONE. Die file lines are deliberate abrasion marks left by Mint personnel using hand files to rehabilitate a die after a clashing event, where the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet between them. The vertical orientation of the filing strokes on the obverse reflects the natural hand motion of a die worker filing downward across the die face. This variety carries an interest level of I-2 and a rarity rating of R-6, estimating only 1 to 12 surviving examples. The San Francisco Mint produced 1922-S Peace Dollars in relatively modest numbers compared to Philadelphia, and die maintenance varieties like VAM-1U provide tangible evidence of shop-floor practices at the western mint facility. Collectors should look for the filing texture in front of the forehead and across the right reverse field.

External References