1923-P VAM-1AU

Description

Originally discovered by Michael Ash in September 2006, the 1923-P VAM-1AU was subsequently eliminated from the active VAM catalog and reclassified as VAM-1AB1, illustrating the ongoing refinement process that characterizes the Van Allen-Mallis attribution system for Morgan and Peace Dollar die varieties. The original designation carried the die pairing II 1 with a B2a reverse classification, specifically noting a beveled field next to the rim below TRVST caused by a damaged die — a feature described as wider and distinct from the similar beveling seen on VAM-1K. Peace Dollars of 1923 were struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint in substantial quantities, with a mintage exceeding 30 million coins, making it one of the most common dates in the series that ran from 1921 through 1935. Anthony de Francisci's high-relief Liberty head design and the reverse eagle perched on a mountain with rays created bold design elements that interacted with die damage in distinctive ways. The beveled field phenomenon occurs when the die surface adjacent to the rim sustains damage or wear that creates a sloped transition rather than the normal flat field, and this particular damage pattern below TRVST — the Latin rendering of TRUST used on Peace Dollars — served as the primary attribution point. The rarity was assessed at I-3 for interest and R-5 for scarcity before elimination. Eliminated VAMs remain documented in the catalog for reference, ensuring that collectors encountering specimens can trace the attribution history to the current active listing.

External References