1924-P VAM-1AT1

Description

Discovered in 2010 by Pat Mullen, the 1924-P VAM-1AT1 is designated as "Spike Forehead" — a name derived from a long horizontal die scratch in the field in front of Liberty's forehead on the obverse. Despite the dramatic name, the spike is a die scratch (a fine raised line on struck coins) rather than a die chip protrusion, distinguishing it from the spiked head varieties seen on Lincoln Cents and other series. The obverse is classified as Type II die 1 paired with a B2a reverse, rated I-3 R-6 (estimated 5-12 known). An important supplementary note records that some specimens from this die also show a collar clash on the reverse — where reeding from the collar die was transferred onto the reverse face — indicating the die experienced multiple types of anomalies during its service life. The combination of obverse die scratch and intermittent reverse collar clash on the same die pairing documents two independent mechanical events: the scratch from contact with a foreign object during die handling, and the collar clash from a striking malfunction. The 1924 Philadelphia Peace Dollar was produced in moderate quantities, and Pat Mullen's 2010 discovery demonstrates the breadth of die anomaly types cataloged under the VAM system — from hub doubling to die scratches to collar clashes.

External References