1923-P VAM-1AN2

Description

Discovered by Brian Raines in October 2005 and reassigned in 2014, the 1923-P Peace Dollar VAM-1AN2 carries the description "O Die Defect Below GOD, Die Break Hair Rear No. 3" with die pairing II 1 - B2a and rating I-2 R-6. Peace Dollars were struck in 90% silver from 1921 through 1935, designed by Anthony de Francisci. The 1923-P is the highest mintage Peace Dollar, making scarce VAMs on this date rewarding finds given the large surviving population from which to cherrypick. The obverse die (II 1) shows a short vertical die break with a curved lower end at the rear of Liberty's hair. This break shares a location with VAM-1W but is diagnostically different: it is shorter and more curved, with a rounded break at the top left side. VAM-1AN2 belongs to the "extra hair" group of 1923-P Peace Dollar varieties, which includes VAM-1B, VAM-1BK, VAM-1V, VAM-1W, VAM-1Y, VAM-1AA, VAM-1AB 2, VAM-1AE, VAM-1AN, and VAM-1AR. Accurate attribution within this group requires careful comparison of the shape, length, and curvature of the die break at the hair rear, as adjacent varieties can appear superficially similar under casual examination.

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