1923-S VAM-1AL

Description

Identified by David Close, VAM-1AL for the 1923 San Francisco Mint Peace Dollar carries the plate designation 1AL II 1 - B2a (Closely Spaced Triple Clash Spikes Eagle's Shoulder) with rarity ratings of I-2 R-5. The reverse die, classified B2a, displays die clash triple spikes with very close spacing rising from the eagle's right shoulder, transferred from the back of the Liberty head on the obverse during an unprotected die clash event. Triple clash spikes indicate the obverse and reverse dies came together without a planchet between them on at least three separate occasions, each impact leaving a progressively layered impression of the opposing design. This variety is distinguished from the similar VAM-1X by its closer spike spacing and positioning further to the right on the eagle's shoulder. An R-5 rarity rating estimates the surviving population at 31 to 100 coins, placing it in the scarce category. Die clashes on Peace Dollars frequently transfer the outline of Liberty's head onto the eagle reverse, and the triple-clash formation here creates an especially distinctive diagnostic pattern for attribution purposes. =1923-S VAM-1AL Closely Spaced Triple Clash Spikes Eagle’s Shoulder= Discovered by David Close.

External References