1926-P VAM-1

Description

Among the more elusive dates in the Peace Dollar series, the 1926 Philadelphia issue carries a mintage of just 1,939,000 — one of the lowest Philadelphia production figures and a total that places it firmly among better dates for collectors. VAM-1 catalogs the baseline die pair in the Van Allen-Mallis system, the standard combination against which all other 1926-P die varieties are measured. The relatively modest mintage means fewer working dies were required, limiting the total number of possible die varieties compared to high-mintage years like 1922 or 1923. Anthony de Francisci's design was struck in 90% silver at 26.73 grams, and the lower survival rate in upper Mint State grades reflects both limited production and bag marks accumulated on these large coins during storage. For VAM collectors, the 1926-P VAM-1 represents the normal die pairing — the reference specimen used to identify deviations that define higher-numbered catalog entries. The combination of lower mintage and baseline VAM status makes this a foundational piece for collectors pursuing a 1926-P die variety set.

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