1923-D VAM-1B1

Description

Discovered by Lance Newman in 2014 and carrying both LVA and OCC designations, this 1923-D Peace Dollar documents a dramatic die break sequence: a crack runs above PEACE, continues through the tail feathers, and reaches the rim at the O in ONE, where it terminates in a triangular displaced field break. The triangular break at O is the most distinctive feature — a geometric section of the die face that shifted under stress, creating a raised triangular area that stands apart from typical linear cracks. Cataloged as VAM-1B1 with attribution II 1 - B2a and the designation "Die Break O," this variety earns an I-2 interest rating and R-5 rarity (estimated 13 to 30 known). The die break at O occurs before a separate break develops at the numeral 1, suggesting a progressive failure where early-state specimens show only the O break and later states exhibit both. The 1923-D Peace Dollar was struck at Denver during peak production of Anthony de Francisci's Peace Dollar design, and R-5 varieties from this date attract sustained collector pursuit given the combination of rarity and dramatic visual appeal.

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