1925-S VAM-11

Description

Discovered in 2012, VAM-11 for the 1925 San Francisco Mint Peace Dollar is designated 11 II1 - B2k (Doubled Lower Reverse, S Tilted Left) with rarity ratings of I-3 R-5. The reverse die, classified B2k, exhibits extensive doubling across the lower portion of the design: double lower edges appear on OLLA (of DOLLAR), the olive branch and leaves, rear leg feathers, rays below the wings, and two rays above and below ONE. This broad spread of doubled elements indicates significant hub displacement during secondary hubbing, affecting a wide swath of the lower reverse architecture. The doubling pattern is similar to that seen on VAM-4 but is distinguished by the S mint mark being tilted to the left rather than in the standard upright orientation. Mint mark tilt provides a critical diagnostic point since the hand-applied S punch could land at any angle depending on how the engraver positioned the tool against the working die. An R-5 rarity rating estimates 31 to 100 surviving examples. Collectors should examine the lower reverse lettering, olive branch, and feather details for doubled edges, and verify the leftward tilt of the S mint mark.

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