1923-D VAM-1AF

Description

Discovered by David Close, the 1923-D VAM-1AF1 "Die Break Above I" Peace dollar documents a significant obverse die failure on Anthony de Francisci's Liberty design. Cataloged as 1AF1 II 1 · B2a (Die Break Above I) with die classification I-2 and rarity rating R-6 (estimated 13-30 known), this variety sits in the rare tier where confirmed specimens are genuinely difficult to locate. The obverse die crack runs from the L of LIBERTY downward through the letters IN and extends over to Liberty's neck, developing a small triangular break above the letter I — a distinctive geometric shape that provides a precise diagnostic for attribution. Die breaks of this complexity — featuring a linear crack through multiple design elements that evolves into a localized area break — represent advanced die deterioration where the steel has fractured along multiple planes, creating both a crack path and a displaced triangular fragment. Denver struck approximately 6.81 million Peace dollars in 1923, one of the lower mintages in the series that already commands premiums in all grades. The R-6 rarity rating for VAM-1AF1 indicates that only an estimated 13 to 30 examples are known, making this one of the scarcer documented varieties for the 1923-D date. The crack path from L through IN to the neck traces a diagonal line across the left portion of the obverse, and the triangular break above I creates a small raised island of displaced metal on struck coins that distinguishes this variety from other 1923-D die cracks that may follow different paths. David Close's extensive contributions to Peace dollar VAM research have significantly expanded the catalog for Denver Mint issues. Collectors should look for the triangular raised area above the I of IN GOD WE TRUST as the primary diagnostic, visible at 7-10x magnification.

External References