1923-D VAM-1AZ2

Description

Discovered by Bill Toland in June 2015, the 1923-D VAM-1AZ2 "Collar Clash Reverse" Peace dollar documents a collar clash — a distinctive mechanical error where the collar (the retaining ring that forms the coin's edge reeding) contacts the die face during a malfunction, leaving impression marks of the reeding pattern on the die surface that transfer to subsequently struck coins. Cataloged as 1AZ2 II1 - B2a (Collar Clash Reverse) with die classification I-2 and rarity rating R-5 (approximately 30-75 known), this variety exhibits reeding indentations on the rim area below PEACE and the mountain design, occurring chronologically before a separate rim cud developed at MERI in the AMERICA inscription. Anthony de Francisci's Peace dollar reverse features the perched eagle above PEACE with sun rays and mountains in the background, and the collar clash marks appear as fine parallel lines matching the reeding spacing in an area that should show smooth die-impressed surfaces. Denver produced approximately 6.81 million Peace dollars in 1923, a moderate mintage. Collar clashes occur when the collar mechanism advances or retracts at the wrong moment during the striking cycle, allowing the reeded edge of the collar to contact the die face rather than remaining properly positioned around the planchet's perimeter. Bill Toland's 2015 discovery of this collar clash demonstrates the ongoing expansion of the Peace dollar VAM catalog through identification of error types beyond the traditional doubled dies and repunched dates. The sequential notation "occurs before rim cud at MERI" establishes the die's deterioration timeline — the collar clash preceded the rim break — providing a die state progression that collectors can use to chronologically position their specimens within this die's production life.

External References