1923-S VAM-1AV

Description

Within the extensive 1923-S Peace dollar VAM catalog, VAM-1AV "Die File Lines Left Obverse" documents heavy die file lines covering the entire left field area of Anthony de Francisci's obverse — a drastic intervention that was applied in an attempt to remove a die crack from the working die. The full catalog entry reads 1AV II1 - B2a (Die File Lines Left Obverse) with die classification I-2 and rarity rating R-6 (estimated 13-30 known). The description of heavy filing covering the entire left field represents one of the more aggressive die repair attempts documented in the Peace dollar series — rather than the subtle, localized filing marks that characterize routine die finishing, this die received extensive rework aimed at eliminating a crack that had developed in the left obverse field. Die filing as a repair technique involves using a fine file to smooth the die surface, and when applied aggressively enough to address a crack, it can remove enough steel to leave visible file line impressions that transfer as shallow incuse lines on struck coins. San Francisco produced approximately 19.02 million Peace dollars in 1923, and the decision to file rather than retire this cracked die reflects the economic pressure to maximize die life — die preparation was a time-consuming and costly process, and salvaging a cracked die through filing was sometimes preferable to the delay of preparing a replacement. At R-6 rarity (13-30 known), the die apparently saw limited service after filing, possibly because the repair was ultimately unsuccessful and the crack reappeared. Collectors should examine the left obverse field under 10-15x magnification with angled lighting that accentuates the parallel incuse lines left by the filing tool, which will appear as a series of fine parallel grooves running in a consistent direction across the affected area.

External References