1924-P VAM-1AM

Description

Recorded in the Peace dollar VAM catalog as VAM-1AM "Pitted Obverse #3," this 1924 Philadelphia variety documents the third distinct instance of die rust damage cataloged among the VAM-1 family for the date. Cataloged as 1AM II1 - B2a (Pitted Obverse #3) with interest level I-2 and rarity rating R-5 (estimated 30-75 known), this variety features raised dots and splotches across the obverse fields, Liberty's neck, and face — all resulting from a rusted die that developed corrosion pits transferring as raised features on struck coins. A distinctive die marker accompanies the rust damage: horizontal polishing lines between the digits 9 and 2 in the date, providing a secondary diagnostic independent of the pitting pattern. Philadelphia struck approximately 11.81 million Peace dollars in 1924, and the existence of at least three separately cataloged pitted obverse varieties (indicated by the "#3" designation) suggests that die storage conditions or production environment factors allowed moisture to reach die surfaces with some regularity during this production year. Anthony de Francisci's Liberty portrait, with its finely modeled facial features and flowing hair, provides a detailed canvas where die rust pitting is visually prominent — the raised dots contrast sharply against the smooth fields and sculptured portrait surfaces. The horizontal polishing lines between 9 and 2 indicate that mint workers attempted to dress the die surface — likely to remove the very rust that produced the pitting — and their polishing strokes left linear traces in the die steel that transferred as shallow incuse lines on struck coins. Collectors should examine the obverse under 10-15x magnification, looking for a pattern of raised dots distributed across Liberty's face and the surrounding field, then confirm by checking for the horizontal polishing lines between the 9 and 2 of the date.

External References