1925-P VAM-1C

Description

Originally discovered by David Close and subsequently reclassified as VAM-18A in 2011, the 1925-P VAM-1C "Double Die Gouges Above N" Peace dollar documents a pair of fine vertical die gouges positioned above the letter N of IN in the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on Anthony de Francisci's obverse. Cataloged as 1C II 1 · B2a (Double Die Gouges Above N) with die classification I-2 and rarity rating R-5 (approximately 30-75 known), this variety's reclassification history illustrates the evolving nature of the VAM catalog system — as researchers accumulate more die state data and compare varieties across expanding reference populations, initial classifications are sometimes revised and consolidated to reflect improved understanding of die relationships. Philadelphia struck approximately 10.2 million Peace dollars in 1925, a moderate mintage that generated sufficient die pairs to produce the documented variety spectrum. The double die gouges above the N represent a die preparation artifact — two parallel vertical incisions in the die surface that transferred as raised lines on struck coins, positioned in the field area directly above the letter N where the smooth die face made even minor surface disruptions clearly visible. The specific orientation (vertical) and multiplicity (double) of the gouges creates a distinctive diagnostic pattern that distinguishes this variety from random die scratches or single gouges at other locations. The reclassification to VAM-18A consolidated this die pair's documentation under a different primary number while preserving the discovery attribution to David Close and the original observational data. Collectors referencing older VAM guides should be aware that VAM-1C for 1925-P now redirects to VAM-18A, and examination requires 15-20x magnification focused on the field above the N in IN to resolve the paired vertical gouges.

External References