1924-S VAM-1D

Description

Identified by Michael Ash in July 2006, this San Francisco Mint Peace Dollar — designated II 1 - B2a, I-2, R-6 — is characterized by two small die chips near the rim below the L in LIBERTY on the obverse, providing the primary attribution markers. A tiny die chip at the top of the eagle's right shoulder on the reverse offers a secondary diagnostic confirming the specific die pair. In later die state examples, the rays above the O and A of DOLLAR appear shortened, indicating progressive die wear that gradually reduced these design elements over the die's working life. Die chips form when small fragments of the hardened steel surface fracture and fall away, leaving raised lumps of metal on every coin struck thereafter. Their position near the rim — where stresses concentrate during striking — is consistent with the mechanical forces that drive die deterioration. The R-6 rarity rating estimates 200 to 500 survivors. The 1924-S Peace Dollar was produced in limited quantities compared to Philadelphia issues, and die chip varieties from lower-mintage San Francisco dates add attributable interest to a date that might otherwise be collected solely by grade. =1924-S VAM-1D Die Chips Below L= Discovered by Michael Ash, July 2006.

External References