1923-D VAM-1AB1

Description

Discovered in 2010, this Denver Mint Peace Dollar variety is designated VAM-1AB1 II1 - B2a (Die Break Below OD) with I-2 interest and R-6 rarity, indicating a scarce variety with fewer than several hundred estimated survivors. The obverse displays an extensive die crack network: a crack runs from the lower neck over to the letters GO and up to LI, with a displaced field break below the letters OD — a point where the crack widened sufficiently to allow metal displacement during striking, producing a visible raised step in the field. A second long die crack extends from Liberty's hair bun over through the middle of the Y upright and down to the rear hair strand, tracing a path across multiple design elements. The depth of the "1AB1" sub-variety suffix — far into the alphabetic progression of the VAM-1 die marriage — indicates that this die pair has been documented through an extraordinary number of progressive die states. The 1923-D Peace Dollar had a mintage of 6,811,000, the only Denver Mint issue for the date, and Denver Peace Dollars are collected as a distinct subset of the series. The extensive die crack network documented on this variety represents severe die deterioration that was approaching terminal failure, and the R-6 rarity suggests the die was retired relatively quickly after reaching this advanced state. The displaced field break below OD is the most dramatic diagnostic feature, distinguishing this die state from the earlier VAM-1 sub-varieties that precede it in the progression.

External References