1926-P VAM-3

Description

Discovered by Michael Fazzari in June 1993, VAM-3 for the 1926 Philadelphia Mint Peace Dollar is classified as 3 II 2 B2a with the primary diagnostic of a doubled tip on the 6 in the date, along with doubling on the designer's initial and the T in TRVST. The VAM system — named after Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis, who developed it — provides a comprehensive framework for cataloging die varieties on Morgan and Peace Dollars, and this variety carries a rarity rating of I-3 R-3, indicating moderate availability in the marketplace. Additional die markers include a vertical die scratch in the G of GOD, heavy die polish on the nose and in front of the eye on the obverse, and a small die break going down the middle of the eagle's back on the reverse. The 1926 Philadelphia Peace Dollar was struck with a mintage of approximately 1.9 million pieces, a relatively low figure for the series that contributes to its desirability as a date. Anthony de Francisci's Peace Dollar design, introduced in 1921 to commemorate the end of World War I, features a profile of Liberty wearing a radiate crown on the obverse and a perched eagle with rays on the reverse. The doubled date digit and TRVST lettering reflect hubbing anomalies during die preparation at Philadelphia.

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