1926-S VAM-1K

Description

Discovered in 2008 and revised in 2014 by D. Close, the 1926-S VAM-1K Peace Dollar carries the classification II1 – B2a (Die File Lines Obverse With Missing Dot) with an impact rating of I-3 and a rarity of R-6, placing it among the scarcer die states within the 1926-S family. The obverse (II1) exhibits die file lines in the left field — linear striations left by hand filing during die maintenance — accompanied by a missing raised dot between the N and G of IN GOD and a shallow N of IN. The missing dot and shallow N indicate that die polishing or filing removed material from these features, reducing their depth on the die face and consequently their relief on struck coins. The reverse (B2a) is identified as the same die used for VAMs 1H, 1C, and 1B1, but in its earliest die state — an important attribution detail that connects this variety to a family of related die states sharing the same reverse die at different points in its service life. Community commentary adds that the obverse features unlisted doubled initials with beveling under the R of LIBERTY and a removed clash at the eagle's shoulder on the reverse — additional diagnostics not captured in the formal VAM designation that provide supplementary attribution evidence. The Peace Dollar was designed by Anthony de Francisci, struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1926 in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. The 1926-S had a mintage of approximately 6.98 million pieces. The R-6 rarity rating indicates this variety is scarce but not extremely rare, and the I-3 impact rating suggests moderate visual significance — the die file lines and missing dot are diagnostic but do not dramatically alter the coin's overall appearance.

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