1925-P VAM-1D

Description

Discovered by David Close, the 1925-P VAM-1D carries the revised classification 1D II 1 B2a, designated Die Gouges N-G with Shortened Top Reverse Rays, and a rarity rating of I-2 R-5. The obverse die, cataloged as II 1, shows vertical die gouges cutting through the left sides of the N in IN and the G in GOD, providing clear and unmistakable diagnostics for attribution. The reverse die, classified as B2a, exhibits a later die state with heavy die lines developing at the top left and right of the eagle's shoulders, accompanied by shortened top left rays radiating away from the eagle. The ray shortening is a consequence of the progressive die wear and polishing that characterizes late die states, where the finer design elements begin to lose definition before the die is retired. The combination of specific obverse gouges and late-state reverse deterioration creates a die marriage with diagnostics that evolve across the die's production life. Philadelphia Mint Peace dollars from 1925 were produced in substantial quantity, and the R-5 rarity rating estimates 31 to 100 surviving examples of this particular pairing, making it a scarce but obtainable variety for Peace dollar specialists.

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