1923-D VAM-1AJ

Description

Featuring both a die crack and a retained cud, VAM-1AJ on the 1923-D Peace Dollar was discovered by David Close. The plate designation II 1 - B2a classifies this as Obverse Die Class II (normal die), die pair 1, with Reverse Die Class B2a. Rated I-3 for moderate importance and R-6 for rarity (estimated 75 to 150 known). The obverse die crack runs through the middle of the numeral 1 in the date, extending upward to the neck point and then left to the rim, where the displaced field has formed a retained cud to the left of the 1. A retained cud within a VAM classification is particularly compelling because it combines a die manufacturing attribution (the VAM identity) with a die deterioration event (the cud formation), offering collectors a variety that tells two distinct stories about the die's life. Denver Mint production. The Peace Dollar, designed by Anthony de Francisci, was struck from 1921 through 1935, and the R-6 rarity rating places this variety among the scarcer documented VAMs. Attributed by VAMWorld.

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