1922-S VAM-1Y

Description

Discovered by David Close in February 2011, the 1922 San Francisco Mint VAM-1Y Peace Dollar is designated "Double Clash Spikes Eagle's Shoulder number 5" and carries a rarity of R-5. Classified as 1Y II 1 - B1a, the defining feature appears on the B1a reverse: double vertical clash spikes rising from the eagle's right shoulder close to the neck, created when the obverse and reverse dies clashed together twice at slightly different angles. Some specimens also display a tiny raised dot on the wing above ONE. David Close noted in his discovery comments that this raised dot has been observed on coins without accompanying die clash marks or die cracks, suggesting it may be a separate die imperfection. The discovery coin itself exhibits a radial die crack extending into field area K3. Composed of 90% silver, the Peace Dollar features Anthony de Francisci's high-relief portrait of Liberty on the obverse and the perched eagle with TRVST inscription on the reverse. The 1922-S saw substantial production at San Francisco, and clash marks are common on Peace Dollars due to the design's high relief concentrating striking pressure.

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