1925-S VAM-1G

Description

Raised dots and splotches scattered across Liberty's head and the surrounding obverse fields identify this 1925-S Peace dollar as VAM-1G, a rusted or worn obverse die variety discovered in 2010. The full designation reads 1G II 1 - B2a (Rusted/Worn Obverse Die) with rarity ratings I-2 R-6, placing the estimated population at fewer than 30 known specimens. Die rust occurs when moisture reaches the die surface during storage or periods of inactivity, and the resulting oxidation creates pits in the steel that transfer as raised dots and irregular splotches onto struck coins. VAM-1G shares visual similarities with the related 1925-S VAM-1E, which also exhibits a rusted obverse, but several distinguishing features set them apart. The reverse of VAM-1G does not carry as many raised dots as the obverse but shows some peripheral lines, and the mintmark is positioned higher and set to the left compared to VAM-1E's placement. These mintmark position differences are critical for distinguishing between related VAM numbers within the same date, since mintmarks on Peace dollars were individually punched into each working die, resulting in unique positions for each die. San Francisco struck 1.61 million Peace dollars in 1925, a mintage low enough to make the date moderately scarce in all grades, and an R-6 die variety from this already-limited issue represents a genuinely rare piece. Anthony de Francisci's high-relief design placed heavy demands on dies, and the combination of mechanical stress and storage conditions made Peace dollar dies particularly susceptible to rusting, especially at branch mints like San Francisco where environmental humidity was a constant factor.

External References