1923-S VAM-1AD2

Description

Triple clash spikes rising from the eagle's right shoulder combined with a diagonal die scratch below the Y in LIBERTY distinguish VAM-1AD2 of the 1923-S Peace Dollar, discovered in 2011 by David Close. A triple clash occurs when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without an intervening planchet on three separate occasions, each impression transferring obverse design elements into the reverse die with progressively layered effect. The resulting spikes from the eagle's shoulder are designated pattern number 3, indicating a specific location and character within the clash spike classification system. The obverse carries its own diagnostic in the form of a diagonal die scratch positioned below the Y in LIBERTY, providing an independent attribution point. Cataloged as 1AD2 II 1 B2a with I-2 importance and R-5 rarity estimating 1 to 5 known specimens, this variety is genuinely scarce. The San Francisco Mint struck Peace Dollars from 1922 through 1926, and the 1923-S had a modest mintage. Struck in 90% silver and 10% copper at 26.73 grams, this Peace Dollar preserves evidence of three separate die clash events layered onto a single reverse die.

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