1926-D VAM-1B

Description

Recognized as an Elite 30 Peace Dollar VAM — placing it among the thirty most sought-after varieties in the entire Peace Dollar series — VAM-1B of the 1926-D issue was discovered by Eric Justice in November 2006. Classified as 1B II 1 - B2a with I-2 interest and R-6 rarity (an estimated 1 to 12 known examples), this variety is designated "Die Breaks Lower Middle of Hair" and features a vertical vee-shaped die crack in the lower middle of Liberty's hair with breaks on the top segment of the vee. The die crack pattern indicates progressive structural failure in the working die, and the vee configuration — where two crack lines converge — creates a distinctive visual signature that collectors can identify with moderate magnification. The R-6 rarity combined with Elite 30 status makes this one of the most desirable Peace Dollar varieties in existence, as the Elite 30 list was curated to highlight varieties that combine rarity, visual appeal, and collector demand. The 1926-D Peace Dollar already carries a modest mintage among the series, and VAM-1B's extreme scarcity within that issue places confirmed examples at a premium in the specialized VAM marketplace.

External References