1923-D VAM-1BB

Description

Discovered by David Close, this 1923 Denver Mint Peace Dollar preserves a dramatic die break above the numeral 1 in the date — the second such variety documented for this die position, hence the designation "Die Break Above 1 #2." VAM plate notation 1BB II 1 - B2a classifies obverse die II 1 paired with reverse die B2a, with an importance rating of I-2 (moderately important) and rarity of R-6 (very scarce). The obverse die exhibits a die crack running from the neck, arcing above the numeral 1, and continuing to the N of IN, with a vertical crack descending the left side of the 1 to the rim. Above the numeral 1, the displaced field from the die break creates a raised area — a feature similar to VAM-1K but documented as a distinct die. The R-6 rarity rating places this variety among the more challenging Peace Dollar VAMs to locate, with relatively few specimens confirmed. David Close has been a prolific contributor to Peace Dollar VAM research, and his identification of this die break adds another entry to the growing catalog of 1923-D die failures. The combination of die crack path and displaced field above the 1 provides definitive attribution diagnostics.

External References