1926-P VAM-1F

Description

Reported by John Laney in October 2013, the 1926-P VAM-1F identifies a Peace Dollar obverse die displaying vertical shallow die scratches below the letters N and G of IN GOD, caused by feed finger contact during the automatic planchet feeding process. Designated 1F II1 with reverse die B2a (Die Gouges and Scratches Below N-G), rated I-2 for interest and R-5 for rarity (an estimated 1,001 to 3,000 surviving), this variety documents mechanical interaction between the die and the press's feeding mechanism. Feed fingers are spring-loaded arms that advance blank planchets into the striking chamber between die cycles, and when misaligned or worn, they can scrape against the die face, leaving shallow vertical marks. The scratches below N-G indicate the feed finger path crossed this area of the die repeatedly, producing incuse marks that transferred as fine raised vertical lines on struck coins. De Francisci's Peace Dollar was in its sixth year of production at Philadelphia in 1926, part of a series that would end after 1935. Struck in 90% silver at 38.1mm. Examine the obverse field below the N and G of IN GOD for the fine vertical raised scratches left by feed finger contact.

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