1923-S VAM-1AB
Error
Description
Discovered by Mike Andrew in October 2005 and revised in December 2012, the 1923-S VAM-1AB is classified as II 1 - B2a (Pitted B in LIBERTY, Counterclash Nose) with a rarity of I-2 R-5. The obverse die developed rust pitting that left raised dots clustered around the top of the letter B in LIBERTY, extending upward to the rim. Die rust occurs when moisture contacts the die face between production runs, corroding the recessed areas of the die and producing raised bumps on struck coins. Additionally, a slight counterclash is visible in the field in front of Liberty's nose bridge. Counterclash marks form when design elements are transferred between dies during a clashing event, similar to standard die clash marks but involving the transfer of incuse rather than relief impressions. The combination of die rust evidence and counterclash diagnostics makes VAM-1AB a two-feature variety. San Francisco struck 19.0 million Peace dollars in 1923, the second-highest mintage for that mint in the series.
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