1925-P VAM-1B

Description

Discovered by Jim Hart in July 2003, VAM-1B for the 1925 Philadelphia Peace Dollar is characterized by three short vertical die gouges positioned above the letters IN in the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. Classified as II 1 B2a with an impact rating of I-2 and rarity of R-6 (estimated 200 to 1,000 survivors), these die gouges provide a clear diagnostic that can be identified under moderate magnification. The comments note a relationship with VAM-9A, which shows similar die gouges above N but positioned further right, along with additional gouges below O and lines below the date — distinguishing the two varieties requires careful comparison of gouge positions. Die gouges result from damage to the die surface, typically caused by foreign material striking the die face, improper handling during die installation, or debris in the coining chamber. Three gouges clustered above IN suggest a single damaging event rather than progressive wear. The 1925-P Peace Dollar was struck at Philadelphia with a mintage of approximately 10.2 million pieces, a moderate figure for the series. Anthony de Francisci's design was in its fifth year by 1925, and the World War I era context of the Peace Dollar's creation remained recent history. The R-6 rarity indicates that while the 1925-P is a common date in the series, this specific die was likely used for a limited portion of the total production before the damage was noticed or the die was retired for other reasons.

External References