1926-D VAM-1C2

Description

Discovered in 2013, the 1926-D VAM-1C2 "Die Scratch L, Small Rim Cud ER" Peace dollar presents two distinct diagnostics on a single die marriage: a diagonal die scratch above the letter L in LIBERTY on the obverse and a small cud along the rim above the letters E and R of AMERICA on the reverse. Cataloged with die classification I-3 and rarity rating R-6 (approximately 13-30 known), this variety documents both an obverse die preparation artifact and a reverse die failure on Anthony de Francisci's design. Denver struck approximately 2.35 million Peace dollars in 1926, one of the lowest D-mint mintages in the series, making this date inherently scarce before any variety premium is considered. The obverse diagonal die scratch above L in LIBERTY — classified under Obverse II 1 — represents a surface defect acquired during die preparation or handling, while the Reverse B2a carries the more dramatic diagnostic: a small cud along the rim above E and R of AMERICA. Cuds form when a fragment of the die rim breaks away, leaving a void that planchet metal fills during striking to create a raised, featureless blob on the coin's edge. The "small" characterization indicates the broken fragment was limited in extent, producing a modest rather than dramatic cud formation. The dual-diagnostic nature of this variety — combining an obverse scratch with a reverse cud — provides two independent confirmation points that together enable confident attribution. The C2 suffix indicates this is the second die state or sub-variety within the VAM-1C classification. At R-6 rarity, only an estimated 13-30 specimens are known, consistent with the low overall mintage and the likelihood that the reverse die was retired once the cud developed. Collectors should examine the rim above ER of AMERICA on the reverse for the raised cud mass and the area above L on the obverse for the diagonal scratch.

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