1923-D VAM-1AN

Description

Discovered by David Close, the 1923-D VAM-1AN "Die Scratch Fifth Tall Ray From Front" Peace dollar identifies a horizontal thin and shallow die scratch passing through the fifth tall ray from the front of Liberty's crown on Anthony de Francisci's obverse design. Cataloged as 1AN II 1 - B2a (Die Scratch Fifth Tall Ray From Front) with die classification I-2 and rarity rating R-5 (approximately 30-75 known), this variety sits within the extensive alphabetical sub-variety sequence of the VAM-1 family for the 1923-D date. Denver produced approximately 6.81 million Peace dollars in 1923, a moderate mintage that has nonetheless generated a remarkably deep VAM catalog through sustained research effort. The crown rays on the Peace dollar radiate outward from Liberty's head in alternating tall and short lengths, and the fifth tall ray from the front provides a precise locational reference that pinpoints the scratch among the numerous rays — counting begins from the foremost ray and proceeds rearward along the crown. The horizontal orientation of the scratch — perpendicular to the vertical ray it crosses — creates a distinctive intersection that distinguishes it from the predominantly radial lines characteristic of the ray design. Die scratches of this nature typically originate from die preparation procedures where tools or foreign particles contact the die surface, and the thin, shallow profile suggests a light contact rather than a deep gouge. David Close has been among the most prolific contributors to the Peace dollar VAM catalog, with dozens of discoveries spanning multiple dates and mints. At R-5 rarity, specimens appear infrequently and require directed searching among 1923-D populations. Collectors should count the tall rays from the front of Liberty's crown to locate the fifth, then examine it under 15-20x magnification for the fine horizontal line crossing the ray's vertical shaft.

External References