1923-S VAM-1AP

Description

Traced to a December 2006 discovery by George Powell, VAM-1AP of the 1923-S Peace Dollar presents a die break at the top of Liberty's hair that originated from heavy die clash bar marks. Cataloged as 1AP II 1 B2a with I-2 importance and R-6 rarity, the obverse shows heavy clash bar marks at the top of the hair with a small die break at the hair edge in front of the bun. Die clash bar marks are evidence of a previous clash event when the dies struck each other without a planchet, transferring reverse design impressions onto the obverse die. The bar marks at the top of Liberty's hair are transferred elements from the reverse, and the die break at the hair edge developed where the clash impact weakened the steel. This sequence reveals the die's operational history: it endured a clash event severe enough to leave heavy marks, then continued in service until a break formed at a stress point created by the clash damage. The San Francisco Mint struck Peace Dollars from 1922 through 1935. Struck in 90% silver and 10% copper at 26.73 grams, this variety preserves the relationship between die clash damage and subsequent die failure at the weakened area. =1923-S VAM-1AP Die Break Hair Top= Discovered by George Powell, December 2006.

External References